Swimming Pool and Spa Advisory

Public Swimming Pool and
Spa Pool Advisory Document
Public swimming pool and spa pool advisory document

This work is copyright. It may be reproduced in whole or in part for study
or training purposes subject to the inclusion of an acknowledgment of the
source and no commercial usage or sale.
Health Protection NSW 2013
HEALTH PROTECTION NSW
73 Miller Street
NORTH SYDNEYNSW2060
Tel. (02) 9391 9000
Fax. (02) 9391 9101
TTY. (02) 9391 9900
www.health.nsw.gov.au
For more information, please contact your local Public Health Unit whose
contact details can be found at www.health.nsw.gov.au
This document is intended as a guide and represents a compendium of
information on disinfection of public swimming pools. Every reasonable effort
has been made to give reliable data and information. No warranty as to the
completeness of the information is given. The NSW Ministry of Health and its
employees disclaim all liability and responsibility for any direct and indirect loss
or damage which may be suffered through reliance on any information
contained in or omitted from this document. No person should act solely on
the basis of the information contained in this document, without first taking
appropriate professional advice about their obligations in specific circumstances.
Suggested citation: Health Protection NSW. Public swimming pool and
spa pool advisory document. Sydney: 2013.
SHPN (EH) 130037
ISBN 978 1 74187 896 7
April 2013
Acknowledgements
There were many contributions made in the development of this advisory document. In particular NSW Health
would like to acknowledge the Swimming Pool Industry Group, and the organisations below who provided
direction and guidance.
Aquatic and Recreation Institute
Collingridge and Associates
Fulham Engineering Services Pty Ltd
Pallintest Australia
ProMinent Fluid Controls Pty Ltd
Stevenson and Associates Pty Ltd
Siemens Water Technologies
Trisleys Hydraulic Services
Bellingen Shire Council
Leichhardt Municipal Council
Ryde City Council
Shoalhaven City Council
Warringah Council
Poolwerx
Tim Batt Water Solutions Pty Ltd
Swimming is an
important recreational
activity. Learning to
swim prevents
drowning. Swimming
promotes good
physical, mental and
cardiovascular health.
In properly managed
pools the benefits of
swimming far
outweigh any risk.
(WHO 2006)
Public Swimming Pool and Spa Pool Advisory Document NSW Health PAGE 1
Contents
Acknowledgments........................................... 4
3.4 Microbiological sampling.................................. 16

3.4.1 Sampling technique........................................ 16
Quick start for pool operators........................ 5
3.4.2 Timeliness.......................................................17
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
3.4.3 Interpretation..................................................17
Chemical criteria................................................ 5
Chemical testing................................................ 5
Microbiological criteria....................................... 5
Fact sheets......................................................... 5
Pool occupiers information sheet........................ 5
Chapter 1:
Introduction...................................................... 6
1.1 Overview............................................................ 6
1.2 Purpose.............................................................. 6
1.3 Scope and application........................................ 6
1.4 Disease risk from swimming pools...................... 7
1.5 Legislation.......................................................... 7
1.6 Australian Pesticides and Veterinary
Medicines Authority (APVMA)............................ 8
1.7 NSW Health website.......................................... 8
3.4.4 Chemical criteria.............................................17

3.4.5 Database.........................................................17
3.5 Micro-organism risk factors.............................. 18
Chapter 4:
Disinfection..................................................... 19
4.1 Overview...........................................................19
4.2 Disinfectant properties......................................19
4.3 Disinfection concepts........................................19
4.4 Characteristics of various disinfectants............. 20
4.4.1 Chlorine-based disinfectants that produce
hypochlorous acid.......................................... 20
(i)
Free available chlorine (free chlorine).............. 21
(ii)
The effect of pH on chlorine
(iii)
Total chlorine, free chlorine and combined
disinfection power......................................... 21
Chapter 2:
Microbial health risks and transmission......... 9
(iv)
Bather pollution and the formation of
2.1 Overview............................................................ 9
2.2 Micro-organisms................................................ 9
(v)
Reducing chloramines.................................... 23
2.2.1 Viral pathogens................................................ 9
(vi)
Stabilised chlorine cyanurate
chlorine.......................................................... 22
chloramines.................................................... 22
products and cyanuric acid............................. 23
2.2.2 Bacterial pathogens........................................ 10

(vii)
2.2.3 Protozoan pathogens......................................11
Electrolytic generation of
2.2.4 Fungal pathogens............................................12
hypochlorous acid.......................................... 24
2.3 Disease transmission theory...............................13

2.4 Transmission of micro-organisms
in swimming pools............................................13
2.5 Conclusions.......................................................13
4.4.2 Bromine-based disinfectants.......................... 24
(ii)
The formation of bromamines........................ 25
(iii)
The effect of pH on bromine

disinfection power......................................... 25
3.1 Overview...........................................................15
3.2 Indicator micro-organisms.................................15
3.3 Microbiological criteria......................................15
3.3.1 Heterotrophic plate count (HPC)..................... 16
The hydrolysis of bromine to form hypobromous

acid................................................................ 25
Chapter 3:
Microbiological criteria and sampling.......... 15
3.3.2 Escherichia coli (E. coli)................................... 16
(i)
(iv)
Isocyanuric acid and bromine......................... 26
(v)
Breakpoint bromination and

super-bromination.......................................... 26
4.4.3 Chlorine dioxide............................................. 26
4.5 Other disinfection systems................................ 26

4.6 Disinfection by-products (DPBs)........................ 27
3.3.3 Pseudomonas aeruginosa............................... 16
PAGE 2 NSW Health Public Swimming Pool and Spa Pool Advisory Document
Chapter 5:
Disinfection chemical criteria, other
chemicals, sampling and monitoring............ 28
6.4 Water balancing............................................... 40

6.4.1 Overview........................................................ 40
6.4.2 pH.................................................................. 40
5.1 Overview.......................................................... 28
5.2 Chemical criteria.............................................. 28
6.4.4 Calcium hardness........................................... 40
5.2.1 Dosing........................................................... 28
6.4.5 Temperature....................................................41
5.2.2 Chlorine systems chemical criteria.................. 28
6.4.6 Langelier saturation index...............................41
6.4.3 Total alkalinity................................................ 40
5.2.3 Bromine systems chemical criteria.................. 28
6.4.7 Corrosive water The Ryznar index................ 42
5.2.4 Alternate disinfection systems........................ 30
6.5 Backwashing of sand filters.............................. 42
5.2.5 Oxidation-reduction potential........................ 30
6.5.1 Reuse of backwash water (externally)................. 42
5.2.6 Pool operating periods................................... 30
6.5.2 Recycling of swimming pool
5.3 Other chemicals used in swimming pools......... 30
backwash wastewater.................................... 43
5.3.1 Chemicals for raising pH................................. 30
6.6 Minimising pool pollution................................. 43
(i)
Soda ash (sodium carbonate Na2CO3)............... 30
(ii)
Bicarb (sodium bicarbonate NaHCO3
6.6.1 Restricting bather load and

encouraging bather hygiene........................... 43
pH buffer)................................................... 30
6.6.2 Total dissolved solids...................................... 43
5.3.2 Chemicals for lowering pH............................. 31
6.6.3 Water sources................................................ 44

Mains water................................................... 44
(i)
Dry acid (sodium bisulphate NaHSO4)............... 31
(i)
(ii)
Hydrochloric acid (muriatic acid HCl).............. 31
(ii) Borewater...................................................... 44
(iii)
Carbon dioxide (CO2)..................................... 31
(iii)
Rainwater (roof water) harvesting.................. 44
(i)
Calcium chloride (CaCl2)................................. 31
6.7 Prevention and control of chloramines

in indoor aquatic centres.................................. 45
(ii)
Potassium monopersulphate (KHSO4)............... 31
6.7.1 Education....................................................... 45
5.3.3 Other chemicals............................................. 31
(iii)
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).............................. 31
6.7.2 Superchlorination........................................... 45
(iv)
Ozone (O3)..................................................... 31
6.7.3 Shock dosing.................................................. 45
(v)
Sodium thiosulphate (Na2S2O3.5H2O)............ 32
(i)
Chlorine dioxide............................................. 45
(vi)
Isocyanuric acid (C3N3O3H3)
(ii)
Potassium monopersulphate.......................... 45
(Cyanuric Acid)............................................... 32
6.7.4 Ultra violet light treatment systems................ 45
(vii) Algaecides..................................................... 32
6.7.5 Ozone............................................................ 46
(viii) Flocculants..................................................... 32
6.7.6 Granulated activated carbon filters................. 46
5.4 Health and safety issues of chemicals............... 33

5.5 Disinfection by-products.................................. 33
5.6 Frequency of pool testing................................. 33
5.7 Sampling location............................................ 35
5.8 Testing equipment and testing......................... 35
5.9 Other chemical and physical parameters...............36
5.10 Record keeping................................................ 36
6.7.7 Zeolite............................................................ 46
6.7.8 Ventilation indoor........................................ 46
Chapter 7:
Design, construction and amenities............. 48
7.1 Overview and introduction............................... 48
7.2 Circulation and filtration................................... 48
7.2.1 Surface water removal.................................... 48
Chapter 6:
Managing water quality................................. 37
7.2.2 Bather load.................................................... 49
6.1 Overview.......................................................... 37
6.2 Chlorine demand............................................. 37
6.3 Chemical dosing control equipment................. 37
7.2.4 Water distribution zonal and non-zonal................51
7.2.3 Circulation rate and pool turnover.................. 50

7.2.5 Separate plant for high risk pools....................51
7.2.6 Dye Testing.....................................................51
7.2.7 Entrapment prevention....................................51
6.3.1 Continuous metered disinfectant

dosing system................................................ 37
7.2.8 Upgrading existing outdoor pools...................51
6.3.2 Oxidation-reduction potential........................ 38
7.3 Filtration systems...............................................51
6.3.3 Direct chlorine residual measurement
7.3.1 Element filters (cartridge filters)...................... 52
(amperometric)............................................... 39
6.3.4 Automatic controllers..................................... 40
6.3.5 pH probes...................................................... 40
7.3.2 Granular filters (typically sand filters).................52

7.3.3 Ultrafine filters incorporating diatomaceous
earth filters.................................................... 52
7.4 Maintenance of swimming pools

and spa pools................................................... 53
7.5 Change rooms, pool hall and amenities............... 53
7.5.1 Floors, walls and change areas....................... 53
7.5.2 Light and ventilation....................................... 53
7.5.3 Showers......................................................... 53
10.2.3 Risk management plan................................... 64

10.2.4 Implementation.............................................. 64
10.3 Dynamics of risk analysis.................................. 64

10.4 Other plans...................................................... 66
10.5 Descriptive risk assessment
and management of pools and spas................. 66
7.5.4 Hand basins................................................... 54

7.5.5 Toilets (water closets)..................................... 55
7.5.6 Baby nappy change / parent facilities............... 55
7.5.7 Waste removal (garbage)................................ 55
7.5.8 Storage of hazardous and dangerous
chemicals....................................................... 55
7.5.9 Water temperature......................................... 55
7.5.10 Towel and costume hire................................. 55
Chapter 11:
Legislation...................................................... 67
11.1 Overview.......................................................... 67
11.2 The Public Health Act 2010.............................. 67
11.3 The Public Health Regulation 2012................... 67
11.4 Schedule 1 of the Regulation............................ 68
11.5 Enforcement of the Act and Regulation............ 68
7.5.11 First aid.......................................................... 55
7.5.14 Kiosk.............................................................. 56
Appendix A:
Breakpoint chlorination
(see section 4.4.1)........................................... 69
Chapter 8:
Cryptosporidium risk management.............. 57
1. Combined chlorine and chloramines..................... 69

2. Continual breakpoint chlorination theory.............. 70
3. Shock breakpoint chlorination............................... 71
7.5.12 Shade............................................................. 56
7.5.13 Glass.............................................................. 56
8.1 Overview.......................................................... 57
8.2 Epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis..................... 57
8.3 Control measures and strategies....................... 57
8.4 Swimmer hygiene practices.............................. 58
8.4.1 Personal hygiene............................................ 58
8.4.2 Awareness of infants who are not
toilet trained.................................................. 58
8.5 Education......................................................... 59
8.6 Operational control and management.............. 60
8.6.1 Barriers used in pool operations..................... 60
(i) Filters............................................................. 61
Appendix B:
Sample log sheet........................................... 73
Appendix C:
Components to consider in recycling
swimming pool backwash water................... 75
Appendix D:
Components to consider
in water harvesting......................................... 77
(ii) Disinfection.................................................... 61
8.6.2 Water sampling for Cryptosporidium............... 61
Chapter 9:
Pool designer and operator
competencies................................................. 62
9.1 Overview.......................................................... 62
9.2 Pool designers.................................................. 62
9.3 Operator competencies.................................... 62
9.4 Formal operator qualifications.......................... 62
9.5 Pool safety qualifications.................................. 62
Appendix E:
Descriptive risk assessment and
management of pools and spas.................... 79
Glossary / Abbreviations............................... 81
References..................................................... 84
Bibliography................................................... 87
Chapter 10:
Health risk management planning................ 63
10.1 Overview.......................................................... 63
10.2 Public health risk.............................................. 63
10.2.1 Risk identification........................................... 63
10.2.2 Risk assessment / characterisation.................. 63
Health Protection NSW
Quick Start for Pool Operators
D. Fact sheets
The three most important parts of this advisory

document for pool operators are:
A series of fact sheets which complement this Advisory

n
Chemical criteria
Document can be found at:
Chemical testing
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/publicpools/
Microbiological criteria and sampling
Pages/default.aspx
A. Chemical criteria
E. Pool occupiers information sheet
The mandatory Chemical Criteria is specified in Schedule
Information Sheet Number 4 for occupiers of public pools
1 to the Public Health Regulation 2012. Schedule 1 can
is provided at:
be found at:
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/phact/Documents/is4-
public-pools.pdf
Documents/public-health-reg-2012-schedule_1.pdf
After these essential sections, it is recommended that
NSW Health only recommends the use of chlorine or
Chapter 1 (Introduction), Chapter 4 (Disinfection),
bromine based disinfection systems for public swimming
Chapter 6 (Managing water quality) and Chapter 8
pools and spa pools. These systems rely on proper
(Cryptosporidium risk management) be studied.
concentrations of pH and reserve alkalinity. It is essential
Finally, the Contents should be consulted for matters
that pool operators also read section 5.2 of Chapter 5.
of additional interest.
B. Chemical testing
The minimum mandatory requirements for chemical
testing are also specified in Schedule 1 mentioned above.
The frequency of pool testing as best practice is outlined
in section 5.6 of Chapter 5. Sampling location is
discussed in section 5.7, testing equipment in section 5.8
and record keeping in section 5.10.
C. Microbiological criteria
The Microbiological criteria are specified in Box 3.1 of
Chapter 3. It is important for pool operators to read all
of Chapter 3.
CHAPTER 1
Introduction
1.1
Overview
Cryptosporidium. Outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis are a

problem in public swimming pools because Cryptosporidium
This chapter introduces the 2013 Public Swimming Pool
is chlorine resistant and is easily transmitted by infants
and Spa Pool Advisory Document by explaining its purpose,
who are not toilet trained. The advisory document
scope and application. This chapter also explains that the
highlights minimising the risk of Cryptosporidium
disease risk from swimming pools is always present no
contamination in public swimming pools and spa pools.
matter how well a pool is disinfected and its patrons are

managed. There is a brief overview of the public health
The advisory document is, where possible, evidence
legislation framework to control transmission of disease in
based and risk based. The recommended frequency of
public swimming pools. A distinction is drawn between
chemical and microbiological sampling has been reviewed
the role of NSW Health and the Australian Pesticides and
to reflect this risk-based approach. This approach means
Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) in the approval
that high-risk heated pools (particularly spas and
of disinfectants which may be used in a swimming pool.
hydrotherapy pools) should be tested more frequently
At the end of this chapter, advice is available to assist in
and low-risk automatically-dosed pools (such as diving
navigation of the NSW Health website for pools.
pools) less frequently. A chapter is included on risk
1.2
Purpose
management of pool operations.

Although scientific evidence suggests that the emerging
The primary purpose of the advisory document is to
issue of disinfection by-products are unlikely to cause
provide information and guidance to pool operators,
health risks in properly managed pools, some mention is
authorised officers (also known as environmental health
made of them. Included in emerging issues are those of
officers), pool consultants and other swimming pool
recycling backwash water and rainwater harvesting.
industry stakeholders on the appropriate modern

standards to design, operate and maintain healthy
The advisory document provides comprehensive
swimming pools and spa pools.
information sufficient to fulfil an identified industry

need for informing operators of pools who may not have
The secondary purpose is to complement public health
had the opportunity of formal education in swimming
legislation, particularly the prescribed operating
pool matters.
requirements in Schedule 1 to the Public Health
Scope and application
Regulation 2012.
1.3
Disinfection is critical to prevent the survival and growth
This advisory document has a wide informative scope and
of micro-organisms in swimming pools and spa pools.
some information is provided on the derivation of
The quality of incoming water supply, efficient filtration,
disinfection concentrations. For example, information is
well designed circulation and distribution systems, and an
provided on the effect of pH on chlorine disinfection and
optimum turnover rate to deliver clean clear water are
the derivation of free chlorine and pH values.
equally important. Client hygiene management is also an

important aspect of disease minimisation. Disease
The advisory document is more relevant to those
minimisation and water quality are the core themes of
swimming pool and spa pool operators to whom the
the advisory document.
public health legislation applies. Such pools are referred

to as public pools. From 1 March 2013, occupiers of
The most commonly known micro-organism capable of
premises containing public swimming pools or spa pools
causing large outbreaks in public swimming pools is
must notify their local council of the pools existence and
comply with the prescribed operating requirements.
the pool water in which they are introduced, otherwise a
The prescribed operating requirements are set out in
disease may be transmitted. The swimming pool or spa
Schedule 1 of the Public Health Regulation.
pool needs to be designed and operated to enhance the
action of the disinfectant.
All public swimming pools and spa pools must be equipped
It is an offence not to comply with the prescribed
with effective water circulation, filtration, disinfectant,
operating requirements and an authorised officer may issue
and pH control systems. Ideally, the disinfection system
an improvement notice for failure to comply. In serious
and pH systems should be automatically controlled.
cases, a failure to comply with the prescribed operating
Routine hand, drip or slug dosing of any chemical directly
requirements may lead to a prohibition order or closure
into an occupied swimming pool or spa pool from a
order being issued, closing down the pool. The advisory
container is not acceptable and is dangerous. Similarly,
document, therefore, provides an understanding of what
floating block dispensers are not considered appropriate.
constitutes the prescribed operating requirements and
1.5
explains chemical parameter values for disinfectants and
Legislation
pH levels for various circumstances.

The Public Health Act, 2010, was commenced on
An emerging type of swimming pool is the multi-residential
1September 2012. Sections 34 to 37 apply to public
pool such as those associated with apartments or town
swimming pools and spa pools. Section 35 however
house developments. While such pools are not public
commences on 1 March 2013. Under the Act, a public
swimming pools under the Public Health Act, they can
swimming pool means a swimming pool or spa pool to
still pose risks in terms of bather risk. The advisory
which the public is admitted, whether free of charge, on
document is equally applicable to this situation, but in
payment of a fee or otherwise, including those swimming
a non-regulatory and advisory sense.
pools and spa pools:
Authorised Officers (or Environmental Health Officers)
To which the public is admitted as membership of

a club,
should use the document to assist in developing skills in

determining pool water quality, to determine when there
Provided at a workplace for the use of employees,
may be a risk to public health and therefore to determine
Provided at a hotel, motel or guest house or at holiday
Provided at a school or hospital,
units, or a similar facility, for the use of guests, and
the nature of any enforcement action, if necessary.
1.4
Disease risk from

swimming pools
but not including a pool situated on private residential

premises.
Disease transmission, even in the best operated pool is

always possible. At best, the time taken to transmit a
The Public Health Act and Public Health Regulation set
disease can only be minimised to a fraction of a minute
out specific requirements for occupiers of premises
because it takes time for a disinfectant to kill or inactivate
containing public swimming pools and spa pools and
micro-organisms. There is no instantaneous kill of micro-
there are offences for non compliance. In particular:
organisms and swimming pools cannot be made sterile.

n
The advisory document provides information about
An occupier must give notice of the pools existence

to their local council (this requirement commenced on
conditions under which a fast kill of disease-causing
1 March 2013)
micro-organisms can realistically be achieved.

n
An occupier must comply with the prescribed
Public pools are more likely to be contaminated with a
operating requirements, which are set out in Schedule
greater diversity of disease causing micro-organisms than
1 of the Public Health Regulation (this requirement

commences on 1 March 2013)
single domestic swimming pools. This is because public

pools are used by unrelated people and are more likely to
The occupier must not allow a person to use the pool
have higher bather loads. Pathogenic (disease causing)
unless the water is disinfected in such a way as to
micro-organisms must be quickly and effectively killed in
minimise the transmission of disease to users of the pool
The occupier must ensure that the pool surrounds,
1.6
including any toilets and change rooms, are kept

clean and in such condition as to minimise the
transmission of disease.
Australian Pesticides and

Veterinary Medicines Authority
(APVMA)
Before swimming pool disinfection products can be sold,

Authorised Officers of both NSW Health and local
supplied, distributed or used in Australia, they must be
councils are empowered to inspect public pools. As well
registered by the APVMA, a Commonwealth agency
as being an offence, a failure to comply with prescribed
based in Canberra. The registration process is governed
operating requirements could lead to an improvement
by Commonwealth legislation and undertaken according
notice directing compliance. If there is a breach of a
to accepted scientific principles and through rigorous
prescribed operating requirement and the pool poses a
independent analysis by several government agencies and
serious risk to public health, a prohibition order may be
the APVMA. A list of approved sanitisers is provided on
served on the occupier to close public swimming pools
the APVMA website at:
and spa pools to prevent or mitigate a serious risk to
http://www.apvma.gov.au/.
public health. There is also power under the Public Health

Regulation to close down a public pool or order public
The use of APVMA unapproved packaged disinfectants in
health action to be taken in relation to a pool that poses
any public swimming pool or spa pool is not supported
a risk to the public even if the prescribed operating
by NSW Health. Additionally, the only future disinfectants
requirements are being met.
that will be recognised as primary disinfectants by NSW

Health will be those which have been independently
The prescribed operating requirements for public pools
tested against the APVMA Guide for Demonstrating
can be found at Schedule 1 of the Regulation.
Efficacy of Pool and Spa Sanitisers. This document can
be accessed on the APVMA website above or on the
NSW Health website below.
The prescribed operating requirements require that pools

may only be disinfected with chlorine or bromine using
1.7
NSW Health website
automated or continuously metered dosing systems.

Dosing systems are discussed in Section 6 of this
The URL for the NSW Health is:
document. Disinfectant, temperature, pH, alkalinity,
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/
ozone and cyanuric acid parameters, testing requirements

are also specified in Schedule 1.
To navigate to the Swimming Pools and Spa Pools page

click on A to Z on the blue banner and then click on
The former Guidelines for Disinfecting Public Swimming
S and finally click on Swimming pools and spas.
pools and Spa Pools June 1996 have been withdrawn

as they are no longer valid.
NSW Health is not an approval authority. It does not have
the power to approve of chemicals, disinfectants, pool
design or pool operational activities. NSW Health does
not have the capacity to become involved in pool design
or operation. The legal function of NSW Health and local
councils is to monitor and determine public health risk
and act accordingly to require the abatement of the
public health risk in public pools.
CHAPTER 2
Microbial health risks and transmission
2.1
Overview
concentration in this pool was reported to have met local

health standards.4
This chapter describes the groups of micro-organisms

which may be introduced into the swimming pools and
The recommended levels of chlorination are effective in
spa pools. The diseases caused by these micro-organisms
destroying the hepatitis A virus. Therefore outbreaks should
and their probable modes of transmission are discussed.1
not occur in properly managed pools that are always maintained
2.2
above the required minimum disinfectant concentrations.
Micro-organisms
iii) Norovirus: There have been few reports of disease

The main groups of micro-organisms associated with
outbreaks related to norovirus (previously known as
contamination of swimming pools and spa pools are listed
Norwalk virus or Norwalk-like virus). Kappus et al (1982)
below. Contamination of the pool may be classified as:
reported a gastroenteritis outbreak in Ohio, USA,

affecting 103 students and teachers following swimming
n Faecally derived, e.g. from bathers, animals or a
in a local pool.5 In 2004, Maunula et al reported a similar
contaminated water source, or

n Non-faecally derived, e.g. shedding from human skin,
outbreak in Helsinki, Finland, associated with norovirus

contracted from a wading swimming pool.6 All these
mucus, vomit or other secretions, or from animals,
cases occurred due to an inadequate system of
stormwater runoff and windblown.
disinfection, water quality monitoring and maintenance.
2.2.1
Viral pathogens
iv) Enterovirus: This group of viruses includes
Viruses cannot multiply in water and therefore their
polioviruses, echoviruses and coxsackieviruses. The only
presence must be as a result of direct contamination.
documented enterovirus infection associated with a

public swimming pool was reported by Kee et al in 1994.
i) Adenovirus: Most viral outbreaks linked to
This outbreak caused vomiting, diarrhoea and headache
swimming pools have been attributed to adenovirus and
in 33 people following swimming in an outdoor
were associated with inadequate disinfection.2 There are
swimming pool. Echovirus was found to be the causative
over 50 types of
adenoviruses3;
and many may cause
agent, and although disinfectant concentration was
enteric infections but some are associated with
maintained according to health requirements, it was
respiratory and eye infections. Outbreaks of pharyngo-
inadequate to contain the spread of the micro-organism
conjunctivitis (sore throat and sticky eyes) have been
due to the large numbers present in the vomit. Under
associated with adenovirus linked to swimming pools.
such circumstances, a contaminated pool should be shut

down until the contaminant is inactivated.
ii) Hepatitis A: Hepatitis A virus has been linked to

three major outbreaks associated with swimming in a
v) Papillomavirus: Papillomavirus causes warts and has
public swimming pool in recent times. In 1991 there was
been associated with contaminated wet surfaces. An
an outbreak in the USA, thought to have been caused by
investigation of an outbreak of 221 students found that
sewage contamination which resulted in 20 cases of
the floors of the change rooms were the primary source
hepatitis A virus infection. Another outbreak occurred in
of transmission.7
1994 in Hungary when 31 children were hospitalised

following swimming in a non-chlorinated pool during a
vi) Molluscipoxvirus: Molluscipoxvirus causes white or
holiday camp. The third documented outbreak was in
skin-coloured papule lesions (small, solid and usually
Australia in 1997 when six boys became ill following
conical elevation of the skin) mainly in children. The
whale spitting in a public spa pool although chlorine
lesions are found on the hands, forearms and faces of
swimmers, gymnasts and other athletes. The link between
turbulence are selective for its proliferation while
swimming and the disease, molluscum contagiosum, was
suppressing the growth of other environmental microflora.
confirmed in a sample of 198 patients in Princess
P. aeruginosa has been found to colonise moist areas
Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Queensland.
surrounding pools such as decks, benches and floors.
Swimming in a school swimming pool and sharing a bath
It has also been found on pool surfaces, pool inflatable
sponge with an infected person were found to be the
toys and within biofilms in filters, pipes and drains.
two more significant factors.8
Proper cleaning and disinfection (superchlorination) may be
2.2.2
Bacterial pathogens
needed to prevent and control the growth of this microorganism. It is difficult to maintain adequate disinfection
i) Shigella: An outbreak of shigellosis was associated
levels constantly in spa pools because of the high
with swimming in a fill-and-drain wading pool in the
temperature, heavy bather loads and water turbulence
USA. This outbreak resulted in 69 people becoming ill
unless a reliable automatic disinfection system is installed.
with suspected shigellosis, 26 cases of which were

confirmed as S. sonnei by the laboratory (MMWR 2001).
iv) Legionella: Legionella bacteria are commonly found
The pool was not disinfected and Escherichia coli and
in natural sources of freshwater and also in man-made
thermotolerant coliforms were also isolated from the pool
warm water systems and cooling water (tower) systems.
water. The source of transmission was suspected to have
They may also be found in moist soil.
been bathers with diarrhoea. The infective dose for

Shigella is between 10 and 100 micro-organisms.
L. pneumophila serogroup 1 is most frequently associated

with human disease. There are two forms of Legionella
ii) Escherichia coli O157: Unlike most strains of E. coli,
infection: a serious pneumonic form known as
E. coli O157 does not produce the enzyme glucuronidase
Legionnaires disease and a less debilitating form called
and does not grow well at 44.5C. As a result, it may not
Pontiac fever. Legionella infects humans through
be detected using the normal method of analysis for
inhalation of infective aerosols created under specific
indicator micro-organisms. E. coli O157 causes non-
conditions. The micro-organism is not known to cause
bloody diarrhoea which may progress to bloody diarrhoea
disease by ingestion and there is no person-to-person
and haemolytic-uraemic syndrome (HUS). Some fatalities
transmission.
have been recorded. Approximately 5-10% of cases of E.

coli O157 infection develop HUS. Infants, young children
The majority of outbreaks have been associated with air
and elderly people are particularly vulnerable. There have
conditioning water cooling systems. Showers may also
been outbreaks of infection associated with childrens
pose a high risk of infection. Most of the reported
paddling pools. Most of these outbreaks followed a
legionellosis associated with recreational water occur in
faecal accident in poorly disinfected pools.9.10
hot tubs and natural thermal spas.11-13 Water spray from

cooling towers and water agitated in spas may produce
iii) Pseudomonas aeruginosa: P. aeruginosa is an
aerosols. Water from warm water systems can also form
opportunistic pathogen capable of metabolising a variety
aerosols in showers, through nozzle heads or splashing in
of organic compounds and is slightly resistant to a range
sinks and baths. Outbreaks of Legionellosis are rarely
of antibiotics and disinfectants. It is widely found in
associated with properly disinfected spas. Legionella are
vegetation, soil and the aquatic environment. However,
easily destroyed by swimming pool chlorine and bromine
the predominant source of contamination of pools and
disinfectants and therefore this organism should not
spas is shedding from infected humans.
present a problem in properly managed pools.
In swimming pools and spa pools, the primary health
v) Staphylococcus aureus: S. aureus is a human
effects caused by P. aeruginosa are folliculitis and ear infection,
commensal bacteria, present as part of the normal
although it has also been identified as the causative
microflora of the nasal mucosa, the skin, and in the
agent of eye, urinary tract, respiratory tract and wound
faeces of healthy individuals. It is thought to be the
infections. In serious cases it may also cause pneumonia.
causative agent of most skin, wound, eye, ear and urinary

infections in swimming pools.14,15 Studies have shown
The micro-organism is particularly problematic in warm
that 50% or more of the total staphylococci isolated from
spas as the high temperature of about 37C and water
swimming pool waters is S. aureus.16
Although S. aureus have been found in chlorinated

swimming
pools17
several outbreaks, including some in Australia. Between
maintaining a residual chlorine level of
greater than 1 mg/L should eradicate the micro-organism.
December 1997 and April 1998 over 1000 cases were

notified in NSW, Queensland and the Australian Capital
Territory where investigations implicated a number of
vi) Mycobacterium spp.: Species of mycobacteria, other
pools to be a common source of contamination.21
than the strictly pathogenic M. tuberculosis, are known

as atypical mycobacteria. They are widely distributed in
In December 1996, public health legislation was amended
the aquatic environment. M. avium has been linked to
requiring cases of cryptosporidiosis to be notifiable to
hypersensitivity pneumonitis and possibly pneumonia
NSW Health. Laboratories that detect Cryptosporidium in
following inhalation of contaminated aerosols generated
faecal samples must also notify NSW Health which may
by a spa pool.18 M. marinum has been found to be
then carry out an investigation if warranted.
responsible for localised lesions of the skin, especially on

abraded elbows and knees.19 This condition is referred to
Cryptosporidium risk management in public swimming
as swimming pool granuloma. The likely source of
pools and spa pools is considered in more detail in
infection is contaminated pool surfaces as mycobacteria
Chapter 8.
have been found to proliferate in these areas. Regular

disinfection of pool surfaces and other moist areas
ii) Giardia: Giardia is similar to Cryptosporidium, as
surrounding pools is a good control measure. Regular
Giardia species also form a cyst form that is resistant to
superchlorination is also recommended to remove any
chlorine. Giardia have been linked to outbreaks of
biofilms which may harbour this micro-organism.
gastroenteritis in public swimming pools.22-24 It has a low
2.2.3
infective dose of approximately 25 cysts25 and is shed in
Protozoan pathogens
large numbers in the faeces of infected people. However,
i) Cryptosporidium: There are several species of
most of the documented outbreaks of gastroenteritis in
Cryptosporidium with C. parvum identified as the cause
the swimming environment are Cryptosporidium related
of a diarrhoeal illness in humans called cryptosporidiosis.
because its oocysts are more chlorine resistant than Giardia
This obligate protozoan parasite invades and multiplies in
cysts. Giardiasis cases are also notifiable to NSW Health.
the gastro-intestinal tract of infected cattle, sheep and

humans. It causes illness and produces oocysts, the
iii) Naegleria fowleri: This is a free-living amoeba,
infective form of the parasite. Large numbers of oocysts
which causes primary amoebic meningo-encephalitis
are excreted in faeces to the environment, including in
(PAM), a rare, but serious illness. Fortunately there have
water, where they can survive for a long time. As oocysts
been no recent documented cases linked to swimming
are highly resistant to standard levels of chlorine and
pools that are chlorinated. The micro-organism is
bromine used for pool disinfection, transmission of the
thermophilic and thrives in nature in mineral springs,
micro-organism in public swimming pools and spas can
thermal bores, rivers and lakes. Cases of PAM have been
pose a serious public health risk, particularly to children
linked to swimming in such places.
and immuno-compromised persons. Mechanisms of

transmission include faecal-oral, person to person, animal
iv) Acanthamoeba spp.: Some species of Acanthamoeba
to person, waterborne and food borne. As the oocysts
are opportunistic pathogens and are found free-living in
are very small (4-6 microns), highly chlorine resistant, and
soil and all aquatic environments including chlorinated
may persist in the pool water for days, filtration systems
swimming pools. However, human contact with the
are unable to quickly remove the oocysts from pool
micro-organism rarely leads to infection. Pathogenic
circulation due to the principle of successive dilution (see
species of Acanthamoeba cause granulomatous amoebic
Chapter 7.3).
encephalitis (GAE) and inflammation of the cornea

(keratitis).26-28 Evidence suggests that properly maintained
Outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis have been reported
swimming pools are unlikely to be a source of infection in
around the world. The most infamous occurred in
healthy individuals. There may however be an increased
Milwaukee, USA in 1993 when about 403000 cases were
risk of GAE in immunosuppressed individuals and for
linked to the contamination of drinking water
supplies20.
people who wear contact lenses.
Contaminated public swimming pools and other

recreational water facilities have also been related to
2.2.4
Fungal pathogens
To prevent transmission of fungal diseases, people with
Trichophyton spp. and Epidermophyton floccosum:
severe infections should seek medical treatment and
Trichophyton spp and Epidermophyton floccosum are
should not use public swimming pools or spa pools. Pool
fungal species that cause superficial infections of the hair,
operators should ensure proper cleaning and disinfection
fingernail or skin. The most common infection is Tinea
of surfaces, particularly floors. Patrons should be
pedis or athletes foot. Symptoms include maceration,
encouraged to wear sandals. In addition, the provision of
cracking and scaling of the skin, with intense itching.
PVC floor mesh mats may assist in maintaining hygienic
Transmission of the disease is normally by direct person-
conditions within change rooms.
to-person contact. In swimming pools, infection usually

arises from contact with contaminated surfaces, especially
A summary of the pathogenic micro-organisms which
wet floors within shower rooms and change rooms.
may be transmitted in swimming pools, the infection they

cause and their source of contamination is outlined in
Table 2.1 following.
Table 2.1: Pathogenic microbes associated with swimming pools

Organism
Infection
Source
Non-faecally derived bacteria

Legionella spp.
Legionellosis (Pontiac fever and

Legionnaires disease)
Aerosols from spas and HVAC systems; Inadequate disinfection

Poorly maintained showers or heated water systems
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Folliculitis (spas)
Swimmers ear (pools)
Bather shedding in pool and spa waters and on wet surfaces

around pools and spas
Mycobacterium spp.
Swimming pool granuloma

Hypersensitivity; pneumonitis
Bather shedding on wet surfaces around pools and spas

Aerosols from spa and HVAC systems
Staphylococcus aureus
Skin, wound and ear infections
Bather shedding in pool water
Leptospira spp.
Aseptic meningitis; Haemorrhagic jaundice Pool water contaminated with urine from infected animals
Non-faecally derived viruses

Adenoviruses
Pharyngo-conjunctivitis
(swimming pool conjunctivitis)
Other bathers with infection
Molluscipoxvirus
Molluscum contagiosum
Bather shedding on benches, pool or spa decks, and swimming aids
Papillomavirus
Plantar wart
Bather shedding on pool and spa decks and floors in showers and
changing rooms
Non-faecally derived protozoa

Naegleria fowleri
Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) Pools, spas and natural spa water and pipes and other components
Acanthamoeba spp.
Acanthamoeba keratitis Granulomatous

amoebic encephalitis (GAE)
Aerosols from HVAC systems
Plasmodium spp.
Malaria
Seasonally used pools may provide a breeding habitat for

mosquitoes carrying Plasmodium
Non-faecally-derived fungi
Trichophyton spp.
Epidermophyton floccosum
Athletes foot (Tinea pedis)
Bather shedding on floors in change rooms, showers and pool or

hot tub decks
Faecally excreted viruses

Adenovirus
Pharyngo-conjunctivitis
Nasal and eye secretions
Norovirus
Gastroenteritis
Faecal and vomit accidents
Hepatitis A virus
Hepatitis A (gastroenteritis)
Faecal accidents
Enterovirus (echovirus)
Gastroenteritis
Faecal and vomit accidents
Faecally excreted bacteria

Shigella
Shigellosis (gastroenteritis)
Faecal accidents
E. coli
Gastroenteritis
Faecal accidents
Faecally-derived protozoa
Giardia
Giardiasis (gastroenteritis)
Faecal accidents
Cryptosporidium
Cryptosporidiosis (gastroenteritis)
Faecal accidents
HVAC = Heating, ventilation and air conditioning

Source: adapted from WHO 20062
2.3
Disease transmission theory
Swimming pools and spa pools are often associated with

outbreaks of infectious diseases. Commonly, these outbreaks
For a disease transmission episode to occur there must be
occur in poorly chlorinated pools.29,30 However, outbreaks
three factors present at the one time as shown in the
of some micro-organisms, such as the protozoan parasite
disease transmission pathway:
Cryptosporidium, are most likely to occur in pools

following faecal accidents from infants who are not toilet
Source of pathogen Transmission pathway Susceptible host
trained (Furtado 1998; Hunt 1994; Sundkvist 1997; Bell

1993). Toddlers pools are more often associated with
Consider the transmission of the protozoan parasite
outbreaks of infectious diseases10,31,32 and this is
Cryptosporidium in a swimming pool:
supported by other studies that have found high counts

of thermotolerant coliforms in pools used by toddlers.33
There must be a source of pathogenic micro-organisms.

In this case, the source is most likely faecal material
In NSW from December 1997 to April 1998, there was
from a person with infection, such as a non-toilet-
a state wide outbreak of 1060 laboratory-confirmed
trained infant, who has defecated into the pool.
cryptosporidiosis cases. This outbreak was found to be
However, a source could also be an adult recovering
associated with swimming in public pools.34
from cryptosporidiosis and who is still shedding
oocysts and who has not showered properly before
Other documented outbreaks that have been linked to
entering the pool.
swimming pools include: the skin infection folliculitis
The transmission pathway is the through the
(caused by P. aeruginosa), respiratory illnesses (caused by
swimming pool water. Residual disinfectant must have
Legionella and adenovirus), gastroenteritis (caused by
sufficient time to disinfect the faecal material. It is very
Giardia, echovirus, norovirus, hepatitis A virus, E. coli and
difficult in swimming pool water to disinfect faecal
Shigella), haemolytic-uraemic syndrome caused by E coli
material which shields Cryptosporidium oocysts.
O157 and pharyngo-conjunctivitis caused by adenovirus.
Disinfection may take more than a day. Disinfection of
E. coli could take less than one minute at
While most of these outbreaks were found to be
recommended concentrations of chlorine or bromine.
associated with poor disinfection, some outbreaks
The susceptible host is a person in the swimming
occurred in pools that were well maintained because
pool water capable of developing an infection.
disinfectants need time to inactivate micro-organisms.

This time lag is a problem when action is not taken
If one of the above three factors is not present then
immediately to decontaminate a pool following a
transmission of disease will not occur. In Australia most of
potentially infectious accident from faeces or vomit.
the effort to prevent transmission has concentrated on
2.5
the transmission pathway i.e. the swimming pool. It is
Conclusions
equally important to concentrate on the source of the

pathogen by requiring all swimmers to toilet and shower
n
n
cannot be controlled because there is no vaccine.
2.4
Transmission of micro-organisms
in swimming pools
Outbreaks of disease have frequently been linked to

inadequately disinfected pools.
before entering the pool. Infection in the susceptible host
Only outbreaks involving multiple cases appear to be

reported. Many single cases are unreported.
Even if a swimming pool or spa pool is properly

managed and adequately disinfected, disease
transmission can still occur by risky or adverse
Pathogenic micro-organisms can be transmitted in
behaviour such as:
swimming pools from the ears, eyes, respiratory tract,
Whale spitting;
skin, gastro-intestinal and urogenital tract of people with
Faecal accidents and toddlers wearing poorly
infection. Some micro-organisms, such as Legionella and
fitted pants;
P. aeruginosa are natural inhabitants of warm water
Poor personal hygiene; and
environments and therefore these pathogenic micro-
Not toileting and showering before swimming.
organisms are likely to proliferate if introduced into poorly

disinfected pools.
Disinfected swimming pools and spa pools are not
Contaminants are being constantly added to the pool
sterile and cannot be made sterile.

by bathers and other sources. Sufficient time is needed
for the disinfectant to inactivate the contaminants
(depending on the type and concentration) once they
enter the pool, e.g. Cryptosporidium spp., which may
take days.
n
It is essential for pool patrons to minimise pool

contamination and to avoid risky behaviour.
Pool operators should never allow disinfectant

concentrations to fall below recommended levels and
should anticipate high bather loads and raise
disinfectant levels in advance.
There are water treatment processes that may

inactivate Cryptosporidium more quickly than others,
e.g. chlorine dioxide.
Bathers who have been ill, particularly if they have

had diarrhoea in the previous two weeks, should
not swim.
All bathers should be encouraged to use a high

standard of personal hygiene before entering a pool.
CHAPTER 3
Microbial criteria and sampling
3.1
Overview
It should possess growth and survival characteristics

similar to pathogens.
This chapter begins with an explanation of indicator
micro-organisms that are used to monitor the
Isolating, identifying and enumerating these indicators

should be relatively easy and inexpensive to perform.
microbiological quality of swimming pool and spa pool

water. An outline of the microbiological criteria, based on
As health risks in pools may be of faecal or non-faecal
the characteristics of selected indicator micro-organisms,
origin, tests should be performed for both faecally-
is provided, and the significance of their presence or
derived (e.g. Escherichia coli) and non-faecally-derived
absence in pool water briefly explained. Based on risk
(e.g. Pseudomonas aeruginosa) micro-organisms. Faecal
considerations, recommended sampling criteria for the
indicators are used to monitor possible faecal pollution.
purpose of microbiological testing are provided.
Non-faecal indicators are used to monitor microbial
3.2
growth. Microbiological indicators are a useful tool to
Indicator micro-organisms
determine whether disinfection of pool water, at the time

of sampling, was adequate to kill most pathogenic
Pathogenic micro-organisms are micro-organisms that are
organisms. The presence of any of these micro-organisms
capable of causing disease. Many diseases have been
indicates a poorly operated disinfection system. Their
linked to faecal contamination of swimming pool and spa
absence, however, does not guarantee safety, as some
pool water that has not been satisfactorily disinfected.
pathogens (notably viral and protozoan parasites) are
Pathogens may also be released into the pool water from
more resistant to treatment than the indicators.
non-faecal sources, such as human skin or secretions,

animal pets, rodents and stormwater runoff. They are
When the results of microbiological testing are received it
invariably found in very small numbers, if at all, so testing
represents the microbial quality of the water at the time
for these pathogens (viruses, bacteria, protozoans including
of sampling. Therefore water quality conditions have
amoebae or fungi) frequently involves procedures that are
most likely changed since sampling. It is important that
complex, very expensive and time consuming. It is
the pool water had been chemically tested at the time of
impossible to test for some pathogenic micro-organisms
microbiological sample to enable a more meaningful
because they cannot be easily grown in a laboratory.
interpretation and correlation.
Routine analysis for these many pathogenic micro-
Microbiological criteria
organisms is therefore impractical and inefficient.
3.3
Instead, tests are performed for micro-organisms which
The microbiological criteria for a well-managed swimming
are expected to be present in water in much greater
pool or spa pool are as follows:
numbers than individual pathogens, and are therefore

easier to enumerate. These are called indicator microorganisms and their traditional role is to primarily indicate
Table 3.1: Microbiological criteria

Test
Criterion
Heterotrophic plate count
< 100 cfu / 1 mL of water sample
indicator micro-organism should possess the following
Escherichia coli (E. coli)
characteristics:
the presence or absence of faecal contamination. An ideal
It should be found in faecally polluted water in large
cfu = colony forming units
mL = millilitre
numbers.
n
It should not be able to survive and multiply in water.
Microbiological samples should always be collected before
water tested. Note that the criterion for E.Coli is more
chemical samples to avoid accidental contamination of
stringent than HPC because an indication of faecal
the pool water with micro-organisms from the sampler.
contamination would mean the likely presence of
Chemical analyses of water for free and total chlorine (or
pathogenic micro-organisms in the pool. It is possible to
bromine), pH, total alkalinity and temperature should be
have high HPC and a low E. coli indicating no recent
conducted by the pool side immediately after
faecal contamination but low overall disinfection efficiency.
microbiological sampling. Microbiological tests should
A high HPC and high E. coli indicates a disinfection system
only be performed by laboratories accredited by the
that is severely deficient, and bathers would be likely to have
National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA).
been at risk of contracting disease at the time of sampling.
3.3.1
Heterotrophic plate count (HPC)
E. coli is the most reliable indicator of public health risk.
Heterotrophic plate count is also known by a number of
3.3.3
other names, including standard plate count, total plate
This is an opportunistic pathogen commonly found in water,
count, total viable count or aerobic quality count. It does
soil and vegetation. It also can be found in human and
not differentiate between the types of bacteria present
animal faeces. It rarely causes infection in healthy people
nor does it indicate the total number of bacteria present
but can colonise damaged systems, such as burn wounds
in the water only those capable of forming visible colonies
and damaged eyes. Immunocompromised individuals are
under specified conditions on certain non-selective
particularly at risk. P. aeruginosa can grow at the selective
microbiological media. Varying the incubation temperature
temperature of 41-42C, where most environmental
will favour the growth of different groups of bacteria.
micro-organisms would not survive. This allows it to
As it gives more meaningful information about
proliferate to high numbers and cause diseases like ear
pathogenic (disease-causing) bacteria, 35C (or 37C) is
and eye infections and folliculate skin infections.
the preferred incubation temperature.
Although slightly resistant to a range of disinfectants,

chlorination of swimming pools should be sufficient to kill
HPC does not necessarily indicate microbiological safety
the bacterium. However, in environments peculiar to spas
as the bacteria isolated may not have been faecally-
such as water turbulence, elevated temperature and high
derived but it does give a measure of the overall general
bather loads, considerably greater care is needed to
quality of the pool water, and whether the filtration and
ensure the safe operation of the spa and the eradication
disinfection systems are operating satisfactorily. Results
of the micro-organism. The bacterium produces a biofilm
reported by the laboratory are traditionally expressed as
and may colonise pipes and filter media. Laboratory
colony forming units per millilitre (cfu/mL) which equates
results for P. aeruginosa are normally reported as cfu/100
to the number of bacteria in each millilitre of the original
mL of water tested. It is a more sensitive indicator than E.
sample of water tested. A HPC count of less than1 cfu/
coli and may be detected in their absence. Presence of this
mL indicates that the disinfection system is effective. If
micro-organism in the pool indicates that the disinfectant
the count is between 10 and 100 cfu/mL, indicates that a
has not been sufficiently maintained continuously at the
routine investigation should be conducted as soon as
minimum levels. The pool may need superchlorination, or
possible to ensure that all the management operations are
at least a shock dose of chlorine added upstream to the
functioning properly. However, counts above100 cfu/mL
filter to eliminate biofilm and any micro-organism that
is indicative of a faulty disinfection system and an urgent
may be harbouring in the water and the filter media.
investigation should be conducted immediately. The pool

water should be re-sampled and sent to the laboratory to
3.4
Microbiological sampling
be tested again as soon as possible.

3.3.2
Escherichia coli (E. coli)
Ideally, persons collecting samples should be trained

and certified competent in the use of aseptic techniques
This bacterium is a normal inhabitant of the intestinal tract
(see below). The following points should be noted
of warm-blooded animals and is always present in faeces
concerning sampling:
in large numbers (approximately 109/g). E. coli is almost
Sampling technique
exclusively of faecal origin and does not multiply in water.
3.4.1
Detection of E. coli indicates recent faecal contamination.
Aseptic technique should be used at all times during
Results for E. coli are normally reported as cfu/100 mL of
sampling. A part of this technique means that the inside
Interpretation
of the container and lid should not be touched otherwise
3.4.3
the container is no longer sterile. Sterile containers of
While each criterion has been explained previously, they
250 to 500 mL capacity containing a trace of sodium
should not be used as the basis of immediate risk
thiosulphate (added to neutralise chlorine) should be
assessment as it could be three days before results are
used. Samples should be collected during periods of
received and inferences made. Results, however, need to
maximum bather load. Sampling frequency consistent
be interpreted against the results of chemical testing
with Table 3.2 is recommended.
performed immediately after the microbiological sampling.
A sampling location close to the pool outlet should be
3.4.4
chosen so that it is representative of the water which has
Each chemical criterion (section 5.2) has been rounded up
already circulated through the pool. The lid from the
to give a slight safety margin. Thus, continuous maintenance
sterile container should be carefully removed while holding
of a minimum of 1 mg/L of free available chlorine in an
the jar near its base. The lid should not be inverted but
outdoor pool (at a pH of 7.5), which is required in the
held in a mouth down position at all times. The container
chemical criterion, is slightly more than sufficient than
should be filled in one sweeping movement by plunging
that needed to ensure compliance with the
the container mouth downwards into the pool and scooping
microbiological criteria.
a sample at a depth of at least 450 mm. The mouth of
Chemical criteria
Database
the container should always point ahead of the hand
3.4.5
while scooping away from the body. Avoid contamination
All microbiological sample results should be logged in a
of the sample by floating debris. The container should
database or spreadsheet so that a history of disinfection
not be rinsed to avoid washing out sodium thiosulphate.
can be developed. Once patterns have emerged, it may
The top 15 mm of water should be tipped out of the
be possible to reduce sample frequency, or other
bottle (to allow sufficient headspace for mixing), the lid
locations can be sampled to enable comparisons.
replaced, and the sample placed in a cooler with

sufficient freezer bricks to cool the sample during
All three microbiological criterion need to be considered
transport to the laboratory.
at the one time, from the one sample. The recommended
3.4.2
minimum sampling frequencies for the analysis of these
Timeliness
indicator micro-organisms are given in Table 3.2.
Once samples have been collected, it is equally important
Microbiological criteria is a useful guide to the performance
that they are delivered to the laboratory in a manner that
of disinfection in a pool and that it is only an indication
does not alter their condition from that existing at the time
of past risk measured as a snapshot at one point in time.
of collection. For microbiological samples, it is important
Once the snapshots have been placed in a database the
that there has been no increase or decline of microbial
whole picture of pool performance begins to emerge so
numbers during transport. Ideally, samples should arrive
that the pool operator can gain confidence in pool operations
at the laboratory within six hours, but definitely no longer
and become more competent in pool management.
than 24 hours, after sample collection.

Table 3.2: Minimum sampling frequency for microbiological analysis
Pool type
Heterotrophic
plate count (HPC)
< 100 cfu/ mL
E. coli
< 1 cfu/100 mL
Pseudomonas
aeruginosa
< 1 cfu/100 mL
Category 1
Spas; hydrotherapy pools; pools used by swim schools; pools
used by incontinent people; infant wading pools; highest risk
pools (see section 3.5)
Monthly
Monthly
Monthly
Category 2
Swimming pools > 26C (except Category 1 pools); wave, river
and low depth (< 1 m) leisure pools; higher risk pools (see
section 3.5)
Bi-monthly
Bi-monthly
Bi-monthly
Category 3
Swimming pools < 26C (except Category 1 and 2 pools); diving
pools; low and infrequent bathing load pools
Quarterly
Quarterly
When need arises
Source: Adapted from WHO 2006.

3.5
Micro-organism risk factors
When indicator micro-organisms exceed their criterion

value, a thorough assessment of the pools physical and
The following risk factors have been associated with
chemical environment should be undertaken. Pool surfaces
microbiological failure of pool water quality. Where three
should be checked for biofilms. Backwashing of the filters
or more risk factors exist in a swimming pool, the pool
may be needed. Concentrations of disinfectant, pH,
should be changed to a more stringent category. For
cyanuric acid, total dissolved solids (TDS) and turbidity
example, a Category 3 diving pool should be changed to
should be checked. The incoming water supply should
a Category 2 pool where three or more of the following
also be checked regularly for chloramines. It may be
risk factors are observed:
advisable to engage a consultant.
pH greater than 7.6 in a chlorinated pool
On most occasions microbial failure is due to inadequate
Consistently poor disinfection (previous chemical
continuous disinfection. Failures may also occur as a result
or bacteriological failures)
of high turbidity and biofilms, which can shield micro-
High turbidity
organisms from disinfectants. Biofilms within pipes and
Poor pool circulation or filtration
filtration units may harbour micro-organisms especially in
High bather loads
pools that are not continuously held above the minimum
Presence of algae
disinfection levels or in the proper pH range. Regularly
Regular use by birds e.g. ducks
super-chlorination or oxidant shocking may be needed to
Easy access of foreign material e.g. litter
destroy biofilms.
Biofilms detected
Poor quality make-up water (high in chloramines)
Following rectification of any pool problems, the pool
Infrequent testing of disinfectant concentration
water should be re-sampled to confirm that the
No automatic disinfection and pH control.
swimming pool or spa pool is safe for use.
CHAPTER 4
Disinfection
4.1
Overview
Efficiency: The disinfectant needs to be wide spectrum

and rapid in its action so that there is not enough
Chapter 2 explained that micro-organisms can be
time for the diverse types of micro-organisms to
transmitted from bather to bather directly in swimming
transmit through the pool.
pool water. It is impossible to prevent pathogenic micro-
Measurable: The concentration of the disinfectant
organisms from entering the pool, particularly from
needs to be measurable at the pool side using an easy
bathers. It is therefore essential that a residual
and accurate test methodology to enable rapid

corrective action.
disinfectant be present in the pool at all times and in

sufficient strength to inactivate or kill the pathogenic
Economic: The disinfectant needs to be cost effective.
micro-organisms as soon as possible.
Dosing: The disinfectant needs to be in a form that is

easy to dose automatically in a pool. A liquid is the
easiest and safest form to use. Devices to dose both
Disinfectants take time to inactivate micro-organisms,
solids and powders are now available.
and while they do not eliminate the risk of disease

n
entirely, disinfection significantly reduces the risk of
Safety: The disinfectant needs to be relatively safe to
disease transmission. It is important to understand how
handle. It should not be flammable, explosive or toxic
disinfectants work and the factors that enhance or
in a gaseous form. It should be easy to transport and
impede their ability to kill micro-organisms.
to contain spillages. The disinfectant should not

generate fine dust or respirable particles.
This chapter considers disinfectant properties in general,
Side effects: The disinfectant should have the least

unwanted side effects.
and specifically the halogen disinfectants of chlorine and

bromine. Disinfection systems which are not primarily
based on chlorine or bromine are not accepted in NSW.
The halogens of chlorine and bromine are the most popular

because of their known properties, proven effectiveness,
Swimming pool and spa pool chemical parameters are
ease of use and being cost effective when used properly
included in Chapter 5.
with automated equipment. While neither disinfectant is
4.2
perfect, each has its relative advantages and disadvantages.
Disinfectant properties
The APVMA guide previously mentioned in Section 1.6,

Guide to demonstrating efficacy of pool and spa
There is no perfect disinfectant. An ideal disinfectant
sanitisers is a guide for establishing the efficacy of new
however, would have the following properties:
sanitisers apart from chlorine and bromine sanitisers.
Residual: The disinfectant needs to remain active in
4.3
Disinfection concepts
the body of pool water. For example, ultra violet (UV)

light does not impart any residual effect to the pool
Pool operators need to be aware of some basic concepts
water while chlorine and bromine do. A good
of disinfection.
disinfectant does not dissipate quickly but slowly

n
decreases as it disinfects.
n
Logarithms: In the following logarithmic scale:
Oxidiser: It is important that there is an oxidising
1 Log = 10; 2 Log = 100; 3 Log = 1000; 4 Log = 10000
effect in the pool to oxidise organic matter,
each increased log number equals an additional 0
particularly inorganic nitrogen compounds. These
or multiplication by 10. Therefore a 1 Log reduction
impurities are responsible for algal growth, reducing
means the same as removing a 0 or a reduction by
the effectiveness of chlorine disinfection, are irritants
90%, since a 90% reduction is the same as dividing
and are pollutants.
by 10. A 2 Log reduction means the same as a 99%
reduction since a 99% reduction is the same as

n
Ct value: Studies have been undertaken to assess the
dividing by 100, and so on.
effectiveness of various disinfectants. The effectiveness
Percentage kill: A swimming pool can be easily
of a disinfectant can be expressed by its Ct value. This
faecally contaminated with 1 gram of faeces (1 gram
is the concentration (C) of the disinfectant (expressed
of faeces is about the size of a small pill and can contain
in mg/L) multiplied by the time (t, expressed in minutes)
well over 1 million (or 1 x 106 in scientific notation)
required to give a certain log reduction (inactivation)
pathogenic bacteria. A 90% kill (or 1 Log kill)
of micro-organisms. It is recommended that a free
inactivates 900000 and still leaves about 100000
chlorine Ct value of 15300 mg-min/L is required to
bacteria. A 99% kill rate (2 Log kill) leaves 10000
achieve 3 Log inactivation of Cryptosporidium parvum
bacteria, and so on. A kill rate of 99.9% seems good
spores. For example, to achieve a Ct value of 15300
but the 1000 bacteria remaining can still cause an
using a chlorine concentration of 15 mg/L then:
infection and if the disinfectant is exhausted during

the disinfection process then the bacteria may regrow
Ct = 15300 = 15 mg/L (C) x time (t)
under the right conditions. Disinfection should aim for
Therefore Time (t) = 15300 15 = 1020 minutes or

17 hours
at least a 4 Log (99.99%) reduction and preferably a

5 Log (99.999%) reduction.
n
Kill time: Ideally an effective disinfectant should
Temperature: As temperature increases, the growth
cause a 99.99% (4 Log) reduction in bacteria in about
rate of micro-organisms also increases until an
60 seconds or less. This is achievable by 1 mg/L of
optimum growth temperature is reached. After the
free chlorine at a pH of 7.5 in an outdoor pool for
optimum growth temperature is reached the micro-
many micro-organisms. However, bacteria protected
organism does not grow as quickly. It has been found
by biofilm, spores or encapsulated in organic matter
that Pseudomonas aeruginosa cannot be sufficiently
will take longer to kill.
controlled by 1 mg/L of free chlorine at temperatures
Bacteriostatic: This term means that the micro-
greater than 26C. Heated indoor swimming pools
organisms are prevented from multiplying, their
and spa pools therefore need a higher concentration
numbers are held static, and they die from natural
of free chlorine to control this micro-organism.
attrition processes but not as a result of chemical

disinfection. Bactericidal means that the chemical
4.4
Characteristics of various
disinfectants
4.4.1
Chlorine-based disinfectants that

produce hypochlorous acid
kills or inactivates the micro-organism.

n
Oxidising: It is an advantage if the disinfectant also

oxidises or breaks down organic matter particularly
nitrogen-containing compounds which would
encourage the growth of algae. Periodic addition an
Chlorination is the most commonly used swimming pool
oxidising chemical such as hydrogen peroxide or
disinfection technique and is available in the compounds
potassium monopersulphate may enhance the
below in Table 4.1 Common Chlorine Compounds
disinfection capacity of chlorine or bromine after
(although chlorine gas is rarely used).
heavy bathing loads.
Table 4.1: Common Chlorine Compounds
Sodium
hypochlorite
Calcium
hypochlorite
Lithium
hypochlorite
Chlorine gas
Trichloro
isocyanurate
Dichloro
isocyanurate
% Available Chlorine
10-12
65-78
35
100
90
50-63
% Active Strength
10-12
65-78
29
100
>99
>99
pH in 1% solution
13
8.5-11
10.8
2.8-3.5
6.5-6.8
pH effect in water
Raises
Raises
Raises
Lowers
Lowers
Neutral
Physical appearance
Liquid
Granular
Tablet
Briquette
Granular
Yellow green
gas
Granular
Tablet
Granular
(Source: USA National Swimming Pool Foundation)
When a hypochlorite compound e.g. sodium hypochlorite
potency of free chlorine as a disinfectant. This aspect of
or calcium hypochlorite, is added to water, hypochlorous
disinfection will be discussed more in the next section.
acid (HOCl) is formed. Hypochlorous acid partially

dissociates (splits apart) in water in equilibrium with H+
(ii) The effect of pH on chlorine disinfection power
(hydrogen ion) and OCl- (hypochlorite ion), as shown in

the following chemical reaction:
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a powerful disinfectant and

the hypochlorite ion (OCl-) is a weak disinfectant. The
H+
HOCl
Hypochlorous
OCl-
D Hydrogen ion
disinfection power of free chlorine is the opposite to the
+ Hypochlorite
pH of the pool water; as pH increases then free chlorine
acid
ion
disinfection power decreases. Table 4.2 shows how the
(Strong
(Weak
percentage concentration of hypochlorous acid in free
disinfectant)
disinfectant)
chlorine decreases with increasing pH because the

hypochlorous acid converts to the hypochlorite ion. Free
This is a chemical equation that uses a dissociation sign
chlorine at pH 7.5 is only half as powerful as at pH 6.0.
(D) because the chemical equation can react in either
Above pH 7.8, free chlorine has lost most of its
direction depending on conditions in the water environment.
disinfection power.
It uses the dissociation sign because the equation is

always trying to reach equilibrium or a balance between
Table 4.2: Percentage of hypochlorous acid
the concentrations of hypochlorous acid (HOCl), the
determined by pH:
hydrogen ion
(H+)
and the
OCl-
(hypochlorite ion). The
pH
balanced proportion can vary with pH changes. When
Percentage Disinfection Power of

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) as Free Chlorine
pool water becomes more acidic (towards pH 7), the
6.0
hydrogen ion concentration increases, combines with the
7.0
75
hypochlorite ion and drives the equation to the left to
7.2
63
form more hypochlorous acid. When pool water becomes
7.5
49
more alkaline (towards pH 8) the hydrogen ion
7.6
39
concentration decreases. To make up for the shortage H+
7.8
28
splits from the HOCl and drives the equation to the right
8.0
to also form
OCl-.
97
The concentration of HOCL will
therefore decrease. This effect will be explored further
Because the relationship between HOCl and OCl- is pH
when considering the effect of pH on the disinfection
dependent, a higher concentration of hypochlorous acid
power of free chlorine.
must therefore be maintained when the pH exceeds 7.6

to maintain overall disinfection power. Preferably, pH
should be maintained between 7.2-7.6 because more
(i) Free available chlorine (free chlorine)
hypochlorous acid is available for disinfection. If pH rises
Free available chlorine (also called free chlorine or FAC) is
above 7.6 then free chlorine must be increased by an
a measure of the concentration of hypochlorous acid plus
additional 1.0 mg/L to compensate for the loss of HOCl
the concentration of the hypochlorite ion expressed in
potency. pH must never rise above 7.8 in a chlorine
milligrams per litre (mg/L). The reagent used to measure
disinfection system because of the significant loss of
free chlorine is diethyl-p-phenylene diamine (DPD)
disinfection power.
commonly known as DPD Tablet No. 1. When a DPD No.

1 tablet is dissolved into a 10 mL sample of pool water a
Regularly monitored and maintained automatic control
deep pink/purple coloured solution will develop
systems are capable of maintaining pH and free chlorine
depending on the concentration of free chlorine present.
within acceptable disinfection limits. Automatic control is

considered essential best practice for all public swimming
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is the active disinfecting
pools and spa pools.
component of free chlorine. The hypochlorite ion (OCl-) is

not effective as a disinfecting component of free chlorine.
It is logical to maximise hypochlorous acid and to
minimise the hypochlorite ion because this affects the
techniques. Chloramines severely reduce disinfection
(iii) Total chlorine, free chlorine and combined chlorine
efficiency and may cause harm to bathers. The
As mentioned, free chlorine is determined using DPD No.
following equations show the chloramine compound
1 tablet. Total chlorine is a measure of all of the chlorine
formation reactions:
compounds which may be found in a pool. Also measured

in mg/L, it is determined by adding a DPD No. 3 tablet to
Formation of monochloramine from ammonia
the free chlorine water sample and after two minutes,
HOCl
the purple colour represents the total chlorine

concentration. The relationship between total chlorine,
free chlorine and combined chlorine is as follows:
Hypochlorous
+ NH3
NH2Cl
Ammonia
+ H2O
Monochloramine
Water
acid
Formation of dichloramine from monochloramine
Free Chlorine (DPD 1) + Combined Chlorine = Total

Chlorine (DPD 1+3)
Therefore the difference between Total Chlorine (DPD
1+3) and Free Chlorine (DPD1) is combined chlorine or:
HOCl
Hypochlorous
Combined Chlorine
Combined chlorine is also called chloramines and is a
+ H2O
NHCl2
Monochloramine
Dichloramine
Water
acid
Formation of trichloramine from dichloramine
HOCl
Total Chlorine (DPD 1+3) Free Chlorine (DPD 1) =
+ NH2Cl
Hypochlorous
+ NHCl2
Dichloramine
NHCl3
+ H2O
Trichloramine
Water
acid

Nitrogen gas, nitrate and other by-products form
measure of the chlorine that has combined with various
from these reactions in varying proportions
forms of nitrogen compounds, particularly ammonia.
depending upon pH, temperature, contact time and
Chloramines can be either inorganic or organic.
the ratios of chlorine to ammonia and chlorine to

ammonia nitrogen concentrations.
Chloramine compounds cause skin irritation, eye

irritation, corrosion, and a strong and offensive chlorine
Trichloramine is more prone to formation at relatively
odour that can be sometimes smelled when entering a
low pool pH of 7. Trichloramine, and to a lesser extent
swimming pool area. Chloramine compounds are very
dichloramine, cause severe irritations to the skin, eyes
poor disinfectants (about 60 to 100 times less effective
and respiratory tract. Trichloramine is the most volatile
than hypochlorous acid). It is essential to eradicate or at
chloramine and is responsible for the strong chlorine-
least minimise chloramines.
like odour associated with poorly maintained indoor

swimming pools and spa pools. This problem should
not arise in properly managed outdoor aquatic centres.
(iv) Bather pollution and the formation of chloramines

Combined chlorines are formed when chlorine combines
Inorganic chloramines tend to persist in indoor pools
with other compounds. In a swimming pool chlorine mainly
for hours until oxidised. Chloramines are volatile and
combines with compounds that enter the pool from
are slowly given off from pool water. If there is
bather contamination. As these contaminating compounds
insufficient ventilation or if pool blankets are used
breakdown they form two types of chloramines:
during overnight chlorination then the chloramines

might not be able to dissipate and may be reabsorbed
Inorganic chloramines: Chlorine reacts with ammonia
into the pool water. Volatile chloramines will also
mainly derived from human excretions. The ammonia
cause corrosion to fabrics and fittings.
comes from the breakdown of urea, creatinine, uric

acid, glycine, histidine, arginine and other compounds
Organic chloramines. Organic chloramines are formed
from urine and to a lesser extent from perspiration.
when chlorine combines directly with the organic
Ammonia reacts with chlorine to form chloramines
molecules of urea, creatinine, uric acid, glycine, histidine,
(monochloramine, dichloramine and trichloramine).
arginine and other compounds from urine and to a
Ammonia may also be introduced from a water supply
lesser extent from perspiration. Organic chloramines
which has been disinfected using chloramination
are very persistent and it may be many days before
they are broken down. Organic chloramines also
approximately 35% of the free chlorine each hour (Graph
adversely affect disinfection rates, cause eye stinging
4.1). As the concentration of cyanuric acid rises in a
and cause odours. It is essential that people not
swimming pool, less proportionately free chlorine is lost
urinate in the pool and the practice should be actively
from the pool. Above 20 mg/L of cyanuric acid, the law
discouraged.
of diminishing return applies where there is very little

extra loss of free chlorine with the addition of more
cyanuric acid. On a sunny day, outdoor pools without
(v) Reducing chloramines
cyanuric acid may lose up to 90% of the free chlorine
Breakpoint chlorination and superchlorination are
residual over the whole day, compared with only a 15%
common techniques used to control inorganic combined
loss when cyanuric acid was used.
chlorine. Breakpoint chlorination and superchlorination do

not control organic combined chlorine. A detailed
Graph 4.1: Cyanuric acid concentration vs percentage free chlorine loss in

one hour
explanation may be found in Appendix A.
organic chloramines that use non-chlorine oxidisers such

as hydrogen peroxide, ozone, medium pressure UV light
lamps and potassium monopersulphate. The use of these
chemicals is also known as oxy shocking and in some
indoor pools may need to be practiced once a week. Oxy
shocking may interfere temporarily (perhaps overnight)
with total chlorine measurement and ORP controllers.
These techniques are also effective against inorganic
% free chlorine remaining
100
Other techniques may need to be employed to reduce
90
80
70
60
50
chloramines. The use of oxy shock chemicals and UV light

assist the disinfection power of free chlorine by reducing
10
20
30
40
mg/L cyanuric acid
chlorine demand to perform oxidation. Generally oxidisers

are poor disinfectants but are better oxidisers than free
There is no benefit using cyanuric acid in an indoor pool
chlorine. Competent professional swimming pool
because the pool water is not exposed to direct UV light,
consultants should be engaged when considering these
even if the pool is covered with Perspex or glass little
chloramine-reducing techniques.
UV light is transmitted.
Unfortunately, the addition of cyanuric acid also reduces
(vi) Stabilised chlorine cyanurate products and
the disinfection power of hypochlorous acid because of
cyanuric acid
the weak bonds formed between these compounds.
When UV light from the sun shines on a swimming pool
A 50 mg/L concentration of cyanuric acid may increase
it converts hypochlorous acid (HOCl) to hydrochloric acid
the time needed for a 4 Log reduction of Pseudomonas
(HCl) which has no disinfection power. The conversion of
aeruginosa from 1 minute to approximately 5 minutes.
hypochlorous acid by UV light from the sun therefore
It is therefore necessary to operate an outdoor pool at
gradually decreases the disinfection capacity of the pool
3mg/L free chlorine when using cyanuric acid. Cyanuric
water. Even more chlorine then has to be added to the
acid greatly reduces the power of free chlorine to
pool to maintain minimum disinfection levels.
disinfect Cryptosporidium oocysts. Further studies using

oxidation-reduction potential (ORP see section 8.3.1),
Cyanuric acid (cyanurate) is a chemical which, when
have shown a loss of ORP when cyanuric acid has been
added to pool water, forms a weak bond with
added to swimming pool water. A significant loss of
hypochlorous acid. It stabilises hypochlorous acid to
disinfection power is commonly called chlorine lock and
reduce losses from the pool caused by UV light from the
is the subject of some debate among pool professionals
sun. Some of the hypochlorite ion converts to
and chemical companies.
hypochlorite to compensate for some of the loss of

hypochlorous acid. Testing has shown that pool water
without cyanuric acid, when exposed to the sun, loses
Cyanuric acid is only lost from the pool through backwashing
operates. Chlorine gas is generated at the anode while
and splashing and only diluted by the addition of water
hydrogen gas is generated at the cathode. The chlorine
so it only needs to be added occasionally, but not
gas rapidly dissolves into the pool water leaving no gas
continuously. It is best practice to add cyanuric acid until
residue while the hydrogen gas is vented directly to the
the maximum concentration in the pool is 50 mg/L. The
atmosphere. The system uses DC electricity that periodically
concentration gradually drops over weeks until it reaches
reverses polarity to reduce scale formation on the electrodes.
20 mg/L. The pool should then be dosed again to 50 mg/L.
The chlorine gas immediately dissolves to form hypochlorous

acid and the pool operates according to normal chlorine
Where a chlorinated cyanurate compounds, such as tri- or
chemistry. It appears that the high level of hypochlorous
dichloroisocyanurate are used to chlorinate a pool, it must
acid generated in the electrolytic cell may oxidise
be discontinued when the cyanuric acid concentration
chloramines in the cell and in the return line to the pool
exceeds 50 mg/L and another form of chlorine used.
thus constantly reducing chloramine concentration. Salt is
If cyanurate concentration exceeds the maximum
lost from the system by backwashing and splashing and
concentration of 50 mg/L the disinfection rate is too slow
salt needs to be infrequently added to the pool. This system
and diseases could be more readily transmitted. The optimal
is more suited to smaller pools as it is limited in the
concentration of cyanuric acid is 30 mg/L. The continuous
amount of free chlorine that can be produced. Generally,
use of chlorinated cyanurate compounds is discouraged
additional chlorine can only be introduced by operating
otherwise a very high cyanuric acid level can be reached
the system for a longer time or installing additional cells
which greatly impede disinfection rates.
that come on-line when chlorine demand is high.
In summary, while cyanurate bonds to free chlorine to
Brine solution generation uses a separate container of
reduce losses of free chlorine in sunlight it also reduces
brine (salt water) for generation. Brine is produced in a
the disinfection effect. Increasing the free chlorine
tank to the required strength using softened water and
concentration in an outdoor pool from 1 mg/L to 3 mg/L
common salt. Common salt also contains bromine. The brine
compensates for this loss of disinfection effect. The
is passed through the electrolytic cell, as outlined above,
overall result is a net saving in the use of chlorine
which generates hypochlorous acid and hypobromous
disinfectant and a monetary saving to the pool operator.
acid for storage in a day cell at a concentration of about

8000 mg/L (0.8 % solution). The swimming pool is
(vii) Electrolytic generation of hypochlorous acid
automatically dosed from the day tank. A low level switch

in the day tank activates the production of more
There are two methods of on-site electrolytic generation
hypochlorous acid. Apparently mixed oxidants are also
of hypochlorous acid:
produced, in addition to free chlorine, which leads to the

destruction of chloramines. The mixed oxidants may
i) In line salt-water generation,
interfere with total chlorine measurement resulting in a
ii) Brine solution generation.
false high result for combined chlorine.
Both methods employ electrodes immersed in salt water.
4.4.2
Electrolytic generation does not need to be registered
The use of bromine disinfectants became popular during
with the APVMA (see section 1.5) as a disinfectant
World War II when chlorine was scarce. Bromine is mainly
because it is an on-site generation process.
used in heated spas as it is more stable than chlorine at
Bromine-based disinfectants
higher temperatures. Bromine is less suitable for outdoor

In line salt-water generation is commonly known as salt-
pool use because it cannot be stabilised against losses
water chlorination. A common salt (NaCl) concentration of
due to UV light and is more expensive than chlorine-
approximately 3000 mg/L is maintained in the swimming
based disinfectants. However, in a mixed system (see
pool. Circulating pool water passes through a coarse
sodium bromide systems below) where the bromine is
filter, a pump, a filter and a heat exchanger, if fitted, and
activated by chlorine or ozone it may be cheaper than
then through an electrolytic cell containing a cathode and
adding chlorine alone.
anode, before being returned to the pool inlets. The cell

may be located on a side stream to the circulation system.
Bromine belongs to the halogen elemental group in the
This system operates only while the circulation system
period table of elements, which consists of fluorine,
chlorine, bromine, iodine and astatine. Bromine is a larger
with ozone to form free bromine. Hence, the prevention
atom than chlorine and its compounds disinfection rate is
of ozone contamination and the maintenance of
slower than those of chlorine. While bromine chemistry is
adequate bromine for disinfection depend on a continual
similar to chlorine chemistry, hypobromus acid (HOBr) has
supply of bromide ions, which needs to be carefully
about half the disinfection efficacy or potency of
monitored and controlled.
hypochlorous acid (HOCl). Similarly, hypobromus acid is

not as strong an oxidiser as hypochlorous acid.
(i) The hydrolysis of bromine to form hypobromous acid
Bromine is used to disinfect swimming pool and spas by
Similar to chlorine, bromine in water hydrolyses to form
two different mechanisms:
hypobromous acid. Hypobromous acid also dissociates in

water to form the hypobromite ion as follows:
Bromo-chloro-dimethylhydantoin (BCDMH) is the
HOBR
most common bromine-based swimming pool
D H+
Hypobromous
disinfectant. BCDMH is known to cause skin and eye
+ OBr
Hypobromite
Hydrogen Ion
Ion
acid
irritations. However irritations are less likely to occur in

properly maintained pools where water balance and
Unlike free chlorine, the DPD No 1 tablet measures the
adequate dilution prevent a build-up of disinfection
concentrations of hypobromous acid, the hypobromite
by-products and other chemicals.
ion as well as bromamines. Therefore the DPD tablet No.

1 effectively measures total bromine. If using chlorine
Dimethylhydantoin (DMH) is a disinfection by-product
measuring methodology, the free chlorine result should
of BCDMH, which has been associated with skin irritation
be multiplied by 2.25 to obtain the equivalent total
(bromine itch) when the DMH concentration in pool
bromine concentration.
water becomes too high. Pool operators need to maintain

DMH below 200 mg/L. This is achieved by frequent
backwashing and dilution with fresh water. Heavily used
(ii) The formation of bromamines
spa pools within high-risk premises (such as nursing
Like chlorine, bromine reacts with ammonia to form
homes) should be emptied and cleaned weekly. Spa pools
bromamines, all of which have similar disinfection properties
which are infrequently used and well maintained are likely
to bromine, unlike chloramines. Nitrogen tribromide also
to maintain good water quality and therefore could be
forms in bromine treated pools, which can cause irritations
emptied less frequently (maximum three months).
to the eyes and respiratory tract .36 Unlike trichloramine,

tribromamine does not produce offensive odours.
Sodium bromide (NaBr) systems, also known as

bromine bank systems, use an oxidising activator
(hypochlorite, ozone or potassium monopersulphate) to
(iii) The effect of pH on bromine disinfection power
generate hypobromous acid to disinfect swimming pool
Table 4.3: Percentage of hypobromous acid in free
and spa pool water. It is important to maintain an excess
bromine determined by pH
of sodium bromide at all times and the amount of

activator cannot exceed the sodium bromide. This ensures
pH
that excess activator such as ozone is not generated and
Percentage of free bromine as

Hypobromous acid
(HOBr)
Hypobromite ion
(OBr-)
released (de-gassed) from the pool. The controllers used
6.0
100
for chlorine control can also be used for bromine control.
7.0
98
Generally, such systems generate less volatile chloramines
7.2
96
than chlorine alone.
7.5
94
7.6
91
Systems using ozone to re-generate bromine require
7.8
87
13
skilled designers and trained operators to ensure system
8.0
83
17
performance, safety and healthy conditions. The operator

needs to ensure that the correct disinfection concentration
Similar to chlorine, the hypobromite ion is a poor
is maintained as well as ensuring the prevention of ozone
disinfectant, and its formation is pH dependent similar to
de-gassing and safe levels of bromate. Bromide ions react
the hypochlorite ion. However, the disinfection power of
free bromine does not decrease significantly when the pH
ClO2 is measured using a modified DPD tablet using
of the water is raised whereas free chlorine would.
glycine as an additional reagent. Otherwise it is impossible
Additional bromine is therefore not required at elevated
to distinguish from other forms of chlorine particularly
pH levels above 7.6. Compare Table 4.2 to Table 4.3.
hypochlorous acid. ClO2 generates chlorite, which is

harmful to human health and should not exceed 0.3
(iv) Isocyanuric acid and bromine
mg/L, a concentration derived from the National Drinking

Water Guidelines. Such a scenario is more likely with
Isocyanurate has no stabilising effect on bromine against
permanent use of ClO2 on its own but greatly reduced
the action of UV light unlike with chlorine. Isocyanurate is
when ClO2 is used as an adjunct to hypochlorite-based
therefore of no use in outdoor bromine treated
disinfection.
swimming pools.
The ideal use of ClO2 appears to be in the periodic
(v) Breakpoint bromination and super-bromination
control of Cryptosporidium and Giardia particularly in

conjunction with chlorine pools where its action is
Because oxidisers more rapidly oxidise bromamines than
enhanced. During periodic control, the pool needs to be
chloramines, breakpoint bromination techniques are not
closed for a shorter period than is required if
as significant in swimming pool operation. To inactivate
hypochlorous acid is used on its own. ClO2 is also
Cryptosporidium oocysts, and to remove resistant biofilms
effective in controlling biofilms by oxidising the
and nitrogen compounds, bromine-treated pools still
polysaccharide matrix.
need to be shock-dosed with chlorine (WHO 2006) or

with a non-halogen based oxidiser such as hydrogen
4.5
Other disinfection systems
peroxide or potassium monopersulphate, but not ozone.

Care must be taken to ensure that bromates are not
There are a number of APVMA approved disinfection
produced. Excessively high bromine concentrations can
treatment chemicals and systems for use in swimming
cause pools to turn green or black.
pools and spa pools. Table 4.4 lists satisfactory
4.4.3
Chlorine dioxide
disinfectant systems based on either chlorine or bromine.

Also listed are disinfectant systems considered
Chlorine dioxide (ClO2) is an unstable gas at room
unsatisfactory when used without chlorine or bromine.
temperature. It is heavier than air and readily dissolves in
Polyhexanide is only considered suitable for lightly loaded
water. ClO2 is not a strong oxidiser but it is a powerful
domestic pools.
disinfectant. ClO2 is particularly efficacious against

Cryptosporidium and Giardia being up to 32 times more
Table 4.4: Satisfactory and unsatisfactory disinfectant
effective than hypochlorous acid. The Ct value of ClO2 is
systems for public swimming pools and spa pools
78 mg-min/L while the Ct value for free chlorine is 15300

mg-min/L. ClO2 does not oxidise ammonia to form
Satisfactory disinfectant Unsatisfactory

disinfectant
amines. It does not cause odours.
Chlorine
Ultra violet light without

chlorine or bromine
ClO2 cannot be stored and transported because it is
Isocyanurated chlorine in
outdoor pools temporary use
Ozone without chlorine or

bromine
explosive and must be generated on site. ClO2 may be
Bromine (indoor use)
Silver/copper without chlorine

or bromine
stabilised chlorine dioxide chemical in the chlorite form.
Chlorine/bromine systems
Hydrogen peroxide
The liquid form must be activated by dilution and
Ozone with chlorine
Magnetism
acidification to pH 2. ClO2 is a more expensive disinfectant
Ozone with bromine
Iodine
than chlorine or bromine. The activator contains a small
Ultra violet light with chlorine
Products containing
polyhexanide *
generated electrochemically, from tablets or from a liquid
quantity of cyanuric acid but it is not in sufficient quantity

to be considered to be a stabiliser for the purposes of clause
11 of Schedule 1 of the Public Health Regulation 2012.
* Polyhexanide is used to disinfect some domestic swimming pools. Chlorine

should not be mixed with Polyhexanide as a red precipitate may form.
While chlorine and bromine are the recognised primary

disinfectant systems in NSW, there are no objections to
the use of adjuncts such as oxidisers, copper/silver
ionisation, UV light and ozone. Such adjuncts are viewed
as treatment methods that may assist chlorination or
bromination but are not recognised as disinfectant
systems on their own.
4.6
Disinfection by-products (DPBs)
Disinfection by-products (DPBs) are unwanted chemical

compounds that may form during the disinfection process
and that have suspected health implications such as
triggering asthma attacks and certain cancers. Some of
these chemicals such as the trihalomethanes (THMs),
chlorate, chlorite and bromate can cause health problems
that may develop after many years of exposure. Studies
however, have indicated that THMs in swimming pools
are below drinking water standards and pose little risk in
well maintained pools.
The most notable indicator of possible DPB formation is
total organic carbon (TOC) which should be maintained as
low as possible in swimming pool water prior to disinfection.
TOCs are introduced through most swimming pool
contaminants particularly urine, perspiration and cosmetics.
While perspiration is difficult to control, urine and
cosmetics can be minimised.
The microbiological control of swimming pool water
should be maintained while minimising the formation of
DPBs. The health risks associated with DPBs are very small
compared to the health risks of waterborne diseases.
Waterborne diseases present an acute risk from
immediate exposure.
In properly managed pools evidence suggests that the
low concentration of disinfection by-products should not
pose a risk to public health (WHO 2006).
CHAPTER 5
Disinfection chemical criteria, other chemicals,

sampling and monitoring
5.1
Overview
Continuous dosing equipment is where the disinfectant

addition can be set at a predetermined rate to introduce
Disinfection of swimming pool and spa pool water is
the disinfectant into the circulation system and mixed
essential for protecting public health. Monitoring of
prior to the water re-entering the pool. Automatic dosing
swimming pool and spa pool water quality ensures that
refers to a dosing system dependent on a disinfectant
the water quality is maintained. It is necessary that an
sensory and feedback system to determine the dosing
evidence-based chemical disinfection criterion be available
rate and adjusting the dosing equipment accordingly.
to ensure that disinfection is effective. The disinfection

chemical criteria are evidence based. It therefore provides
Slug, hand dosing or broadcasting may only be used for
confidence of adequate disinfection protection in all but
special chemical applications, such as isocyanuric acid or
exceptional circumstances of faecal and vomit contamination
dry acid, and only at a time when the pool is closed to
and contamination by Cryptosporidium and Giardia (see
patrons. The pool should not be opened to the public
Chapter 8).
until the chemical reactions have been completed and
5.2
Chemical criteria
this may take some hours or overnight.

5.2.2 Chlorine
systems chemical criteria
There are two primary disinfection paradigms acceptable
The following Table 5.1 is a summary of the prescribed
and they are based on the halogens of chlorine and
operating requirements of Schedule 1, Public Health
bromine. Other chemicals or systems, such as ozone or
Regulation 2012 (see 1.5) for chlorine based disinfection
UV light, may be used in conjunction with chlorine or
of public swimming pools and spa pools. Schedule 1
bromine. Schedule 1 of the Public Health Regulation 2012
should be consulted as the primary source of information
should be consulted as the prescribed operating
and takes precedence over Table 5.1.
requirements for public swimming pools and spa pools.

5.2.1
Dosing
5.2.3 Bromine
systems chemical criteria
The following Table 5.2 is a summary of the prescribed
It is best practice that automatic dosing equipment either
operating requirements of Schedule 1, Public Health
utilising amperometric or oxidation-reduction potential
Regulation 2012 for bromine based disinfection of public
technology is installed at all public pools and spas. Such
swimming pools and spa pools. Schedule 1 should be
equipment should control both the disinfectant and pH. It is
consulted as the primary source of information and takes
recommended that data-logging technology also be used.
precedence over Table 5.2.
It is mandatory that at least, continuous disinfectant

dosing equipment be installed (See Section 6.3). It is best
practice to install automatic dosing equipment.
Table 5.1: Chemical criteria for chlorine-based pools

Parameter
Situation
Concentration
Free Available Chlorine (1)

(DPD No 1)
Outdoor Pool
Min 1.0 mg/L
Outdoor Pool + Cyanuric Acid
Min 3.0 mg/L
Indoor Pool
Min 2.0 mg/L
Spa Pool
Min 2.0 mg/L
Any pool where pH > 7.6
Raise min by 1.0 mg/L
Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP)(4)
ORP automation
Min 720 mV
Combined Chlorine (3)
Any pool
Max 1.0 mg/L
Total Chlorine
(DPD No 1 + No 3)
Any pool
Max 10.0 mg/L
pH
Any pool
Range 7.0 to 7.8
Total Alkalinity
Any pool
80 to 200 mg/L
Cyanuric Acid
Outdoor pool only. Not spas
Max 50 mg/L
Any pool
Zero
Ozone
(2)
(1) Free Available Chlorine concentration should be increased when high bather loads are anticipated to ensure that concentrations are
never less than the minimum. Super-chlorination should only be carried out when the pool is closed.
(2) Residual excess ozone is to be quenched in an activated carbon filter bed before the circulated water is returned to the pool. The
contact time between the pool water and the ozone should be at least 2 minutes at an ozone concentration of 1 mg/L where injected
before filtration, and at least 0.8 mg/L where injected after filtration. Where ozone is generated at the rate of less than 2mg/hour
quenching should not be required where the ozone is introduced into the circulation system by a venturi and completely dissolved in the
pool water.
(3) Some oxidants may interfere with reagents used to measure combined chlorine. Interference must be demonstrated by the pool
operator to allow exemption from the combined chlorine maximum.
(4) Where Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP) measuring equipment or automatic dosing equipment is installed, the ORP should be
set to the equivalence of the minimum free chlorine concentration and shall be not less than 720mV.
Table 5.2: Chemical criteria for bromine-based pools

Parameter
Situation
Concentration
Outdoor Pool
Min 2.25 mg/L
Indoor Pool
Min 4.5 mg/L
Spa Pool
Min 4.5 mg/L
Bromine
Any Pool
Max 9.0 mg/L
pH
Any pool
7.0 to 8.0
Sodium Bromide (NaBr)
Bromine Bank System
Max 9.0 mg/L
Sodium Bromide (NaBr)
Ozone (2) / Br System
Max 15 mg/L
Total Alkalinity
Any pool
80 to 200 mg/L
Di-methylhydantoin
Any pool
Max 200 mg/L
(1)
Bromine
(DPD No 1)
Cyanuric Acid
Any pool
None no benefit
ORP (3)
Any pool
700 mV
(1) Bromine concentration should be increased when high bather loads are anticipated to ensure that values are never less than the
minimum. Super-chlorination should only be carried out when the pool is closed.
(2) Ozone quenching is not required in the Ozone / Bromide system. In other systems residual excess ozone is to be quenched in an
activated carbon filter bed before the circulated water is returned to the pool. The contact time between the pool water and the ozone
should be at least 2 minutes at an ozone concentration of 1 mg/L where injected before filtration, and at least 0.8 mg/L where injected
after filtration. Where ozone is generated at the rate of less than 2mg/hour quenching should not be required where the ozone is
introduced into the circulation system by a venturi and completely dissolved in the pool water.
(3) Where Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP) measuring equipment or automatic dosing equipment is installed, the ORP should be
set to the equivalence of the minimum bromine (DPD #1) concentration and shall be not less than 700mV.
5.2.4 Alternate
disinfection systems
5.3
No other disinfectant system, apart from chlorine or
Other chemicals used

in swimming pools
bromine based systems may be used on their own. Stand

alone UV light/hydrogen peroxide systems and copper/
There is a wide range of chemicals, apart from
silver ionic systems are not acceptable in NSW.
disinfectants, which may need to be used in the
5.2.5 Oxidation-reduction
potential
treatment of swimming pools and spa pools. The

following are some commonly used chemicals.
Where oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) measuring

equipment or automatic dosing equipment is installed,
the ORP should be set to the equivalence of the minimum
free chlorine concentration at a pH of 7.2 and shall not
5.3.1
Chemicals for raising pH
(i) Soda ash (sodium carbonate Na2CO3)
be less than 720 mV and 700 mV for bromine (see
Soda ash is a strong alkali powder or liquid, which is used
Section 6.3).
to quickly raise the pH of a pool. Soda ash should not be
5.2.6 Pool
added to a pool by slug dosing but should be added
operating periods
slowly and gradually over an extended period when the
Swimming pools and spa pools need to be operated for a
pool is closed to the public or through the balance tank.
period of time after closure to the public without
It is a dangerous chemical and should be handled by
additional bather contamination to recover and to achieve
trained personnel with appropriate personal protective
breakpoint chlorination. This period of time can only be
equipment. It is mainly used in a 1:1 weight ratio with
determined by the experience of the pool operator as it
chlorine gas swimming pool applications as the use of
will vary according to temperature, chlorine/bromine
chlorine gas substantially reduces pH. The note below
demand, contamination amount, contamination type,
Table 5.3 outlines how this chemical can be added to
ventilation and the use of ancillary equipment such as
a pool to increase pH.
pool blankets.
Large swimming pool plants may need to be operated
(ii) Bicarb (sodium bicarbonate NaHCO3 pH buffer)
continuously because shut down and start up may be
Bicarb is a weak alkali powder, which is used to raise total
complex and difficult procedures. Conversely, a swimming
alkalinity and gently raise pH. It may also be used to
pool should not necessarily operate continuously for 24
contain and neutralise acid spills. Accidental overdosing will
hours. The pool should be operated for its own efficiency
not raise the pH to greater than 8.3. Table 5.3 outlines
and should not waste electricity, gas or ancillary equipment.
how this chemical can be added to a pool to increase pH.
This is a matter best determined by the pool operator

through daily pool operations. It has been suggested that
all pools might be operated continuously but with flow
reduction during low use and overnight periods.
Table 5.3: Dosage chart to raise pH to 7.5

Pool volume
(kL)
Dose of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) to raise pH to 7.5

Measured pH
5.5
6.0
6.5
7.0
10
0.5 kg
0.36 kg
0.24 kg
0.16 kg
20
1.0 kg
0.72 kg
0.48 kg
0.3 kg
30
1.5 kg
1.08 kg
0.72 kg
0.48 kg
50
2.4 kg
1.8 kg
1.2 kg
0.8 kg
100
7.0 kg
3.6 kg
2.4 kg
1.6 kg
Note: When using sodium carbonate (soda ash) to increase pH to 7.5, halve the quantity i.e. 2 kg sodium bicarbonate (dry alkali or pH buffer) = 1 kg sodium
carbonate (soda ash)
Table 5.4: Dosage chart to lower pH to 7.5

Pool volume
(kL)
Dose of dry acid (sodium bisulphate NaHSO4) to lower pH to 7.5

Measured pH
7.8
8.0
8.5
9.0
10
0.05 kg
0.11 kg
0.18 kg
0.26 kg
20
0.1 kg
0.22 kg
0.36 kg
0.52 kg
30
0.15 kg
0.33 kg
0.54 kg
0.78 kg
50
0.25 kg
0.55 kg
0.9 kg
1.3 kg
100
0.5 kg
1.1 kg
1.8 kg
2.6 kg
5.3.2
Chemicals for lowering pH
(ii) Potassium monopersulphate (KHSO4)

Potassium monopersulphate, a white free flowing powder,
(i) Dry acid (sodium bisulphate NaHSO4)
is also used as a shock treatment to control chloramines
Dry acid is a strong acid powder, which may be used to
in heavily used pools. Potassium monopersulphate works
quickly reduce pH and lower alkalinity. Dry acid should
by lowering the chlorine demand by oxidising ammonia,
not be added to a pool by slug dosing but should be
proteins and other pool contaminants. It can improve the
added slowly and gradually over an extended period
disinfection ability of free chlorine and free bromine; and
when the pool is closed to the public or gradually to the
oxidise the hypochlorite and hypobromite ions to the more
balance tank. It is a dangerous chemical and should be
active hypochlorous and hypobromus acids respectively.
handled by trained personnel with appropriate personal

protective equipment. Table 5.4 outlines how this
Potassium monopersulphate interferes with the DPD
chemical can be added to a pool to decrease pH.
tablet No 3, causing water samples to turn dark red.

The monopersulphate is oxidised by this reagent and a
false high total chlorine measurement is given although
(ii) Hydrochloric acid (muriatic acid HCl)
the effect usually ceases after 24 hours.
Hydrochloric acid is a strongly acidic liquid, which is

highly corrosive and may be used to reduce pH quickly
particularly when the reserve alkalinity is greater than 120
(iii) Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)
mg/L. It is a dangerous chemical and should only be
Hydrogen peroxide is a stronger oxidiser than chlorine,
handled by trained personnel with appropriate personal
but weaker than ozone. On its own it is not a strong
protective equipment.
disinfectant but it can greatly improve the disinfection

ability of free chlorine and free bromine by lowering
chlorine/bromine demand by oxidising pool contaminants.
(iii) Carbon dioxide (CO2)
It also oxidises hypochlorite and hypobromite ions to the
Carbon dioxide is a gas which when added to water forms
more active hypochlorous and hypobromus acids
a weak acid (carbonic acid) and may be used to reduce
respectively.
pH when the reserve alkalinity is less than 120mg/L. It is

best used in an automated pH correction system.
5.3.3
(iv) Ozone (O3)
Other chemicals
Ozone is an excellent oxidiser and an excellent disinfectant.

Unfortunately ozone is dangerous if breathed and causes
(i) Calcium chloride (CaCl2)
scarring of the lung tissue. For this reason ozone should
Calcium chloride is added to pools when the water is
be quenched, usually by passing the pool water through
unbalanced with too little calcium (see Water Balancing in
a granular activated carbon (GAC) bed before the water
Section 6.4). The addition of calcium chloride raises
is returned into the pool. Where ozone is used in an excess
calcium hardness and prevents damage to pool surfaces.
of sodium bromide, such as a sodium bromide/ozone
If calcium imbalance is not corrected, the pool water will
system to generate hypobromus acid, no quenching is
extract calcium from pool surfaces such as concrete and
necessary. (See Table 5.2: The ozone / bromide system).
grout (causing etching).

Ozone has to be generated on site and in the past the

capital outlay for ozone generation was cost prohibitive
(vi) Isocyanuric acid (C3N3O3H3) (Cyanuric Acid)
for many pools. More recent technologies decrease the
Isocyanuric acids weak bonding to hypochlorous acid
capital costs. Ozone may be generated by corona
helps to reduce the degradation of hypochlorous acid to
discharge or UV light technologies. Corona discharge
hydrochloric acid in sunlight. See Section 4.4.1 for more
generally produces much larger quantities of ozone.
information.
Ozone may be injected either pre-filter or post-filter

depending on the necessity to oxidise organic material in
(vii) Algaecides
the filter bed. Ozone is always injected and removed
Algae growth is a common problem in outdoor pools,
before re-chlorination because the GAC bed used to
because algae requires sunlight, warmth and nutrients
remove ozone will also remove the chlorine.
such as nitrogen and phosphorous for growth. Maintaining

an adequate concentration of chlorine in pH-controlled
A recent development is the use of low dose corona
pools and regular superchlorination usually prevents algae
discharge ozone where ozone is generated at 1 to 2
problems. However, rectification of any pool circulation
grams per hour. The ozone is pumped with air through a
problems and removal of phosphate may also be
venturi into a mixing chamber and reaction vessel in the
necessary to prevent algae growth (see (viii) Flocculants).
circulation system after the pool water has been filtered.

Provided the ozone is thoroughly mixed and dissolved, it
Care must be taken to ensure that any chemicals used to
reacts rapidly to destroy chloramines and disinfection
treat algae (algaecides) such as copper are approved by
by-products to reduce tastes, odours and eye stinging
the APVMA and do not build up causing possible health
compounds. After an initial milkiness the colour and
risks. The concentration of copper in swimming pools
clarity of the pool water is improved. It is important to
should not exceed 2 mg/L as recommended by the
ensure degassing before the treated water is returned to
Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (2004).
the pool. It is not necessary to use GAC to quench excess

ozone because the small amount of ozone is either
Swimming pool water containing copper must not be
consumed in the reactions or rapidly degrades. Because
discharged to the general environment, such as the street
ozone is a stronger oxidiser than chlorine, it substantially
gutter or watercourses because of the deleterious effects
reduces chlorine demand and allows chlorine to be more
on many life forms and its pollutant nature. All waste
efficient in residual disinfection allowing for lower
pool water should be discharged to the sewer unless
chlorine levels (if operating by ORP technology) and less
properly recycled.
chlorine will be used. The water returning to the pool

should be monitored regularly for ozone. A pool cover
Concentrations of ortho-phosphate exceeding 0.5 mg/L
should not be used. The ozone generator should be
are conducive to algal blooms. Concentrations below 0.2
located in a well ventilated, dust-free room.
mg/L should be maintained. Aluminium sulphate, a

flocculent [see (viii)], removes phosphates. Lanthanum
Ozone is not compatible with rubber and some plastics.
compounds are also effective as they bond with

phosphate to form insoluble phosphate precipitates
(v) Sodium thiosulphate (Na2S2O3.5H2O)

Sodium thiosulphate is a white crystalline substance that
is used to reduce excess chlorine in a swimming or spa
which can be removed by filtration.
(viii) Flocculants
pool. An adequate small supply of this chemical should
Flocculants are used to coagulate or aggregate small
be maintained on site in case of an over-chlorination
particles so that they may be more easily removed during
accident. It can also be used to return free chlorine to
sand filtration. Common flocculants include: aluminium
normal levels after superchlorination. This chemical
sulphate (alum), polyaluminium chloride (PAC),
should not be used in excess, as it will continue to
polyaluminium sulpho silicate (PASS) and sodium aluminate.
remove free chlorine until all of the thiosulphate has been
Care must be taken to add flocculants to the circulation
consumed. Appropriate personal protective equipment
system before the filter and in small doses. The pH of the
must be worn when using this chemical.
pool should be high enough to prevent the gelatinous
flocc which develops on the filter from dissolving and
In properly managed pools evidence suggests that the
reappearing in the pool. The manufacturers instructions
low concentration of these chemicals should not pose a
should be followed carefully.
risk to public health (WHO 2006). The most common
5.4
chemical disinfectants used in pool water treatment are
Health and safety issues

of chemicals
listed in Table 5.5 together with the DPBs that could form.
Very few DBPs are caused through the addition of water
Gas chlorination is an effective swimming pool
from the water mains. DBPs are more likely to arise from
disinfection system because all of the free chlorine is
pollutants introduced by bathers and therefore bathers
available for disinfection unlike other disinfection systems.
should be encouraged to toilet and shower before
Due to the work health and safety hazards of gas
entering a pool.
chlorination and the highly onerous installation

requirements, it is rarely installed within aquatic centres,
Table 5.5: Chemical disinfectants and their disinfection
although older installations do exist. Many other
by-products
chemicals have work health and safety hazards. If these

hazards are avoided then in most cases public health
Disinfectant
Chlorine/hypochlorite
Trihalomethanes
Haloacetic acids
Haloacetonitriles
Haloketones
Chloralhydrate (trichloroacetaldelhyde)
Chloropicrin (trichloronitrimethane)
Cyanogens chloride
Chlorate
Chloramines
Ozone/bromine
Bromate
Aldehydes
Ketones
Ketoacids
Carboxylic acids
Bromoform
Brominated acetic acids
Chlorine dioxide
Chlorite
Chlorate
Bromine/hypochlorite
Bromo-chlorodimethylhydantoin
Trihalomethanes, mainly bromoform

Bromal hydrate
Bromate
Bromamines
Dimethylhydantoin
Chlorine/bromine with
copper Silver
Silver (0.1 mg/L)

Copper (2 mg/L)
hazards will also be avoided.

The NSW WorkCover Authority regulates the storage and
handling of dangerous goods and should be consulted to
obtain the necessary occupational, health and safety
requirements for the storage and handling of swimming
pool and spa pool chemicals. The NSW WorkCover
Authority website URL is: www.workcover.nsw.gov.au
The requirements of the WorkCover Authority are
expressed in their document Storage and Handling of
Dangerous Goods Code of Practice (2005) which can
be downloaded from the WorkCover Authority website.
(Catalogue Number WC01354).
WARNING: Never add acid directly to a

chlorine-containing substance as chlorine
gas will be generated and released.
By-product
Based on WHO 2006 and the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines 2004
Never add water to a powder, granular or

solid compound; always slowly add the
compound to water while stirring.
5.6
Frequency of pool testing
It is a mandatory requirement (prescribed operating

One of the greatest hazards of handling chemicals is slug
requirement of Schedule 1, Public Health Regulation
dosing directly into swimming pools. This should never be
2012) for all non-automatic continuously dosed public
done directly into swimming pools or spa pools when the
swimming pools that the disinfectant and pH levels be
pool is open to the public. If performed, appropriate
tested prior to the opening of the pool. The disinfectant
personal protective equipment must be worn.
and pH levels shall then be tested as frequently as
5.5
determined by the pool operator depending on the
Disinfection by-products
circumstances of pool operation.
Disinfection by-products (DPBs) are unwanted chemicals
It is a mandatory requirement (prescribed operating
that may form during the disinfection process. Some of
requirement of Schedule 1, Public Health Regulation
these chemicals such as the trihalomethanes, chlorate,
2012) that the disinfectant and pH levels of automatically
chlorite and bromate can cause latent health problems.
dosed public pools be recorded prior to opening and
once during the opening period. Additionally, the public
Evidence has shown that pools which are automatically
pool shall be manually tested once a day.
dosed and frequently tested are more likely to be

adjusted according to the bathing load to comply with
Other mandatory requirements (prescribed operating
the criteria. Unfortunately, most manually dosed pools are
requirement) are marked by an asterisk (*) in Table 5.6.
not frequently tested and studies have shown that these

pools are less likely to comply with the criteria (Ford
The following recommendations on the frequency of
2004). Testing of pool water to determine its disinfection
manual pool chemical testing are risk based. This risk is
capacity and to protect public health should be carried
determined according to whether a pool is automatically
out in accordance with the requirements of Table 5.6.
dosed and the likelihood of a large rapid change in

bathing loads. A motel or hotel pool tends to be low risk
while learn-to-swim centres for infants are high risk. Spa
pools and hydrotherapy pools are all generally high risk.
Table 5.6: Swimming pool and spa pool testing frequency

Test
Recommended Minimum Manual Testing Frequency (Mandatory

Testing Frequency = *)
Non-automatic continuous dosing /metering high risk(1) pools:

n Free chlorine / bromine
n Total / combined chlorine
n Prior to opening* and thence every two hours (or every one hour when bather
n pH
n Prior to opening thence as deemed necessary*
loads exceed design capacity)
Non-automatic continuous dosing / metering low risk pools:

n Free chlorine / bromine
n Prior to opening* and thence every four hours when there is a bather load.
n pH
n Prior to opening thence as deemed necessary*
Automatic control dosing:

n Free chlorine/bromine (ORP)
n pH
n Once during the day to confirm automatic readings* (provided that there is
in-line automated testing and recording which is checked and logged hourly)
Other Tests:
n Total alkalinity
n
n
n
n
Turbidity and/or clarity

Ozone
Cyanuric Acid
Water balance
n Total Dissolved Solids

n Dimethylhydantoin (BCDMH systems)
n Daily *
n Weekly if using liquid chlorine disinfection or carbon dioxide (CO2) pH control*
n
n
n
n
Weekly
Weekly*
Weekly*
Weekly
n Monthly
n Monthly
High risk pools include spa pools, hydrotherapy pools, baby and infant learn to swim pools, infant wading pools, water features in pools,
pools used by incontinent people, or a pool with three or more of the following risk factors:
n pH greater than 7.6 in a chlorinated pool
n Consistently poor disinfection (previous chemical or bacteriological criteria failures).
n High turbidity
n Poor pool circulation and/or filtration
n High bather loads
n Presence of algae
n Regular use by birds e.g., ducks
n Easy access of foreign material e.g., litter
n Biofilms detected
n Poor quality make-up water (high in chloramines)
5.7
Sampling location
As the difference between manual pool readings and

automatic control measurements will vary, it is the
Water samples for chemical testing should be tested
consistency of variation that is paramount. Diverging or
immediately after collection. Water should be sampled
converging readings should be investigated.
from a depth of at least 450 mm using an inverted plastic

(not glass) beaker in a location away from the inlets
For microbiological sampling and testing refer to Chapter 3.
(returns). Except for ozone testing, a water sampling point

closer to the outlets, gutters or wet deck return, should
5.8
Testing equipment and testing
be selected because it represents the quality of the water

leaving the pool. The plastic beaker should be rinsed in
Suitable testing equipment needs to be used to ensure
the pool water, emptied and then the sample taken by
accurate results. All glassware and plastic ware should be
plunging the inverted plastic beaker into the pool,
thoroughly washed and rinsed after each testing session.
inverting and lifting in the one scooping motion in the
The test methodology specified by the manufacturer of
direction opposite to the water current.
the test kit should be strictly followed. Plastic or

Perspex kits known as 4 in 1 or 5 in 1 kits for
Water samples for testing ozone should be collected in
backyard pools or test strips are not suitable for testing
the same manner as above in a location representing a
public swimming pools and spa pools. Photometric test
point closest to an inlet (return).
kits are the most reliable test kits, and should be used in
preference to colorimetric kits. Males with red/green
Sampling to confirm automatic control dosing should be
colour blindness cannot use colorimetric kits.
taken from a sample tap strategically located on the

return line as close as possible to the control probes and
Testing should be performed in the shade preferably in a
in accordance with any manufacturers instructions.
cool, well lit room. Tests of the most volatile chemicals,

such as ozone, free chlorine and free bromine should be
conducted immediately. If possible, temperature should
be measured directly from the pool.
Table 5.7: Chemical testing equipment

Water quality parameter
Best Practice Test kit / Methodology
Chlorine/bromine
Photometric method based on DPD reagents capable of measuring to 0.1 mg/L units within
the recommended disinfectant range
Photometric method based on DPD reagents
Photometric method based on potassium iodide under acidic conditions and capable of
measuring in 10 mg/L increments within the range of 0-100 mg/L; Any electronic meter
pH meter
Photometric method
Photometric method
Photometric based method within 0-200 mg/L range
Water clarity should be maintained so that lane markings or other features on the pool
bottom at its greatest depth are clearly visible when viewed from the side of the pool
Photometric method
Photometric method or laboratory analysis
Laboratory (test kits test do not necessarily differentiate between bromide and chloride)
Any test apparatus capable of measuring to 0.5 nephelometric turbidity units
Laboratory analysis; Turbidity meter
Laboratory analysis
TDS meter, laboratory analysis or sensor (measured as conductivity)
An electronic ORP meter
Ozone
Hydrogen peroxide
pH
Total alkalinity
Cyanuric acid
Clarity
Copper
Chlorite
Bromate
Bromide
Dimethylhydantoin (DMH)
Sulphate
Turbidity
Silver
Total trihalomethanes
Total dissolved solids (TDS)
Phosphate
Oxidation-reduction potential (ORP)
1. All equipment needs to be checked and calibrated in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and maintenance manuals.
2. B leaching of DPD reagents occurs when free chlorine concentration is high and will give a false low reading. The manufacturers manual should be followed and a
dilution prior to testing should be performed if free chlorine is suspected of being higher than 5 mg/L.
Table 5.8: Other chemical and physical criteria for swimming pools and spa pools
Parameter
Maximum criteria
Temperature (mandatory maximum value)
38C. A sign should be erected near high temperature pools warning of the dangers
of heat stress from bathing for too long. High temperature pools should not be used
for laps and aerobic exercise due to potential health risk from heat stress
Total dissolved solids (TDS)
As a general rule, TDS should not be permitted to rise to more than 1500 mg/L
above the source water and should not be permitted to exceed3000 mg/L
Turbidity
1.0 nephelometric turbidity units
Dimethylhydantoin
200 mg/L
Copper
2 mg/L
Silver
0.1 mg/L
Total trihalomethanes
0.25 mg/L
Chlorite (disinfection by-product of chlorine dioxide)
0.3 mg/L
Chlorate (disinfection by-product of chlorine

dioxide)
0.7 mg/L
Bromate (disinfection by-product of bromine/ozone

pools
0.02 mg/L
Fresh tablet reagents in unbroken foil should be purchased
Where automated in-line tests are recorded electronically, these
frequently and stored under optimal conditions specified
should be downloaded monthly and kept with any other
by the manufacturer. Similarly, fresh liquid reagents should
records. It is also possible to represent the data graphically
be stored as a minimum in dark, cool conditions until just
which may add further meaning to the results. For example,
before use at each test. Out-of-date reagents should be
free chlorine may be graphed against bather loads.
discarded. Table 5.7 lists the water quality parameter and the
best type of kit or methodology appropriate for that test.
5.9
Other chemical and

physical parameters
The items in Table 5.9 may be included in a log sheet and

those items marked with a # are considered essential.
One person should be responsible for pool testing and
recording of results each working shift and the log sheet
should bear their name.
Table 5.8 is a list of common chemical parameters or

physical attributes and a recommended maximum
Table 5.9: Suggested items to be included in a log sheet
criterion for each. Temperature has a mandatory
(# = essential)
maximum value of 38C specified in Schedule 1, Public

Health Regulation 2012. The recommended values are not
stringent and are provided as a guide only. Some of the
values have been taken from the Australian Drinking
Water Guidelines (2004).
5.10 Record
keeping
It is mandatory that records of all mandatory tests be

kept for six months.
n # date and time of test

n # disinfectant concentrations
n pH
n # total alkalinity
n # temperature
n bathing loads
n operational comments
n total dissolved solids (TDS)
n # cyanuric acid concentration
n water meter reading
n electricity meter readings
n admission data
A log sheet or register should be used to record the results

of every test performed at a swimming pool, spa pool or
pool complex. The keeping of records is a professional
activity and can be used to demonstrate competency in
pool operations. Log books containing all of the log sheets
n dose settings
n mechanical maintenance items
n # oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) (if applicable)
n chemical usage and stocks on hand
n backwashing
n water balance
should be maintained in a register for assessment of any

technical issues and problems that may arise. Log sheets
An example of a log sheet is contained in Appendix B which
tend to be individual for each premises and location.
is also available in MS Word format from the NSW Department

of Health website: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/.
CHAPTER 6
Managing water quality
6.1
Overview
The amount of chlorine that needs to be replaced to

maintain the desired free residual is known as chlorine
The effective management of swimming pool and spa
demand. Most of the chlorine is consumed by reaction
pool water quality is dependent upon:
with organic material and sunlight rather than in

disinfection of micro-organisms. Chlorine demand is
An efficient pool water circulation and filtration
reduced by filtration and backwashing, and by
system to adequately remove pollutants and
occasionally supplementing chlorine with alternative
effectively distribute residually disinfected water
oxidisers such as hydrogen peroxide, UV light, ozone or
throughout the pool
potassium monopersulphate.
A water disinfection system which maintains a set

disinfectant concentration (or ORP) upon demand
In order to maintain the desired free chlorine residual for
(i.e. will adjust to varying bather loads)
rapid disinfection, the chlorine dose has to be matched to
Balanced water to ensure bather comfort and
chlorine demand. This matching cannot be done easily
protection of pool materials and equipment
with just a continuous dosing system unless the pool
A trained and experienced pool operator capable
operator is constantly sampling the pool and adjusting
of monitoring and rectifying pool water quality
the dose in anticipation of chlorine demand. Matching of
problems.
chlorine dose to chlorine demand can more easily and

effectively be achieved with automatic chemical dosing
This chapter considers maintenance of pool water quality
equipment. For this reason, automatic dosing equipment
and disinfectant concentrations. Topics discussed include
is considered to be best practice.
automatic dosing equipment, water balancing,
6.3
backwashing and reuse of backwashing wastewater,

minimising pool pollution and chloramine control.
6.2
Chlorine demand
Chemical dosing
control equipment
Automatic chemical dosing for disinfectant (chlorine or

bromine) and pH control is the most effective mechanism
Once the required free chlorine (or bromine) residual has
to match residual disinfectant control to demand. There
been achieved with the minimum of combined chlorine,
are two main technologies available to achieve automatic
there are many pollutants and weather conditions that
dosing:
will consume the disinfectant in chemical reactions and

n
quickly reduce the free residual chlorine concentration.
Oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) using millivolts

(mV)
Such pollutants and conditions in pools include:

n
Amperometric, using mg/L of disinfectant.
n Sunlight/shade
n Indoor/outdoor
Clause 3(1), Schedule 1, Public Health Regulation 2012,
n Aeration/ventilation
requires that a pool must be fitted with an automated or
a continuous metered disinfectant dosing system.
Wind and wind-blown debris, particularly debris high

in organic matter
6.3.1
n Rain
n
Bather pollution: perspiration, urine, cosmetics, faecal
Continuous metered
disinfectant dosing system
material, sputum, vomitus, dead skin cells, hair, lint
A continuous metered disinfectant dosing system is
and micro-organisms.
a device or apparatus which delivers the disinfectant in

a positively controlled continuous and steady rate.
The disinfectant should be delivered at some point into
Oxidisers cause the millivolt value to increase and
the pool circulation system and not directly into the pool.
therefore increase disinfection. Typical oxidisers are
It is preferable that the disinfectant be added just after
hypochlorous acid (a component of free chlorine), ozone,
the filtration system to lessen the formation of
hydrogen peroxide, and potassium monopersulphate.
disinfection by-products.
Reductants cause the millivolt value to decrease and
A pump which delivers liquid chlorine at a particular rate
therefore decrease disinfection. Typical reductants are the
i.e. millilitres per hour, is a good example of a continuous
hypochlorite ion (a component of free chlorine),
metered disinfectant dosing system. Other examples
chloramines, cyanuric acid, organic matter (dust and dirt),
include dry chemical feeders, and electrolytic disinfectant
urine, perspiration, sputum, micro-organisms, cosmetics,
generation.
and faecal material.
Obviously hand dosing or broadcasting is not a continuous
A drop in the ORP indicates an increase in chlorine
metered disinfectant dosing system. Similarly a floating
demand caused by reducing agents or contaminants
device with a block of dichloroisiocyanurate is not a
entering the water. A decrease in ORP indicates that
continuous metered disinfectant dosing system. An erosion
chemical reactions are about to occur. Compared to
feeder is not a continuous metered disinfectant dosing
amperometric control, ORP is considered to be a more
system unless it can deliver the disinfectant at a constant
accurate measure of disinfection rate. Also, ORP
rate instead of at a diminishing rate.
controllers can automatically add disinfectant according

to demand. They therefore anticipate the disinfecting and
One of the cheapest forms of a continuous metered
oxidising chemical reactions that are about to occur.
disinfectant dosing system is a peristaltic pump drawing

from a shaded drum of liquid chlorine (sodium
ORP is an indicator of micro-organism inactivation.
hypochlorite) and slowly injecting the liquid chlorine into
Studies on specific micro-organisms have found a direct
the pool circulation system after the filter. The peristaltic
correlation between increasing ORP and micro-organism
pump can be set up to deliver a dose of chlorine at
inactivation as shown in Graph 6.1. Drinking water is
particular time intervals. A continuous metered
adequately disinfected at an ORP of 650 mV. In
disinfectant dosing system can also be controlled by a
swimming pools, an ORP of 700 to 720 mV allows for
timing switch to activate it at some time prior to opening
both a quick disinfection and for breakpoint chlorination
and de-activate it at some time after closing. The dosing
(destruction of chloramines) where conditions permit.
rate or frequency on some pumps can be varied allowing

the pool operator greater scope in delivering disinfectant
Graph 6.1: Kill Time for a log 3 Reduction of E. coli
to the pool at varying continuous rates.
as a function of ORP
6.3.2
Oxidation-reduction potential
ORP (mV)
750
Kill Time of E. Coli as a function of ORP
Oxidation-reduction potential (ORP, redox) measures the

rate of oxidative disinfection caused by the addition of
the effects of all oxidants in the pool water. ORP is
720
determined by using a high quality ORP probe and meter.

The unit of measurement of ORP is millivolts (mV).
Oxidisers (mainly disinfectants) consume electrons while
reductants (mainly contaminants) donate electrons. As
690
660
chlorine is continuously added to the swimming pool the

disinfection action is mainly due to chlorine compounds,
630
particularly hypochlorous acid (HOCl). The ORP is the

potential of a disinfectant to do its work of inactivating
micro-organisms and oxidising organic materials. The
600
higher the millivolt reading, the more powerfully the
1 2
30
swimming pool water is able to oxidise and disinfect.

Source: Eutech Instruments Pty Ltd
50
Kill time (sec.)
100
The ORP value required in swimming pools is higher than
However, the constant is that ORP is an accurate measure
that required for water supplies because contamination is
of killing power as it takes all of the variables into
constantly being added to swimming pools.
account due to the combined effect of their respective

ORP values.
Section 4.4.1 (ii) The effect of pH on chlorine disinfection

power, explained that pH affects the concentration of
Careful calibration of the probe and controller is required.
hypochlorous acid (HOCl) while the concentration of free
There are two methods or calibration:
chlorine remains the same. An increasing pH decreases

the concentration of HOCl and hence its disinfection
By the use of buffer solutions, and
power. Similarly a decreasing pH increases ORP because
By using electronic calibrators
the oxidative power of free chlorine increases.

It is essential that the ORP system is calibrated every six
ORP measurement correlates weakly with free chlorine
months by an independent person who might reasonably
measurement because they measure two different
be expected to be competent to do so and a certificate
entities. ORP measures oxidative disinfection power not
of calibration should be obtained.
the concentration of free residual chlorine. Free chlorine

measures the concentrations of hypochlorous acid (HOCl)
and the hypochlorite ion
(OCl-)
not the oxidation
Where shock oxidation or superchlorination is practiced,

the shock dose will temporarily raise the ORP. Shock
disinfection power. Free chlorine is a variable component
oxidisers tend to raise the ORP short term whereas
of ORP. Oxidative disinfection does not correlate well to
superchlorination raises ORP for a longer period.
free chlorine for two reasons:

To detect and prevent failures due to instrument errors,
n
When free chlorine exists as the hypochlorite ion
ORP should be checked against manual free and total
(OCl-)
chlorine measurement daily and the probes and other
the ORP will be low. This will occur when the
pH is high. Therefore free chlorine could be high and
equipment must be regularly maintained in accordance
the ORP low at a pH greater than 7.6.
with the manufacturers specification.
Reductants lower ORP. Therefore free chlorine could

be high, but the ORP will be low if combined chlorine
6.3.3
is high, cyanurate is present, contamination is high, etc.
Direct chlorine residual

measurement (amperometric)
There are two types of amperometric free chlorine

A pool with satisfactory ORP could have low free chlorine
sensing probes commonly available:
if the reductants are low. That is, there is low combined

chlorine (i.e. breakpoint chlorination), low pH, no cyanuric
Membrane amperometric probes
acid, and low organic contaminants. Such a pool will
Potentiostatic three electrode amperometric probes
have satisfactory disinfection power.

Membrane amperometric probes measure free chlorine
It is often difficult to obtain a satisfactory ORP reading in
using platinum or gold covered membrane and a silver/
an outdoor pool stabilised with cyanuric acid. It may be
silver chloride covered membrane.
necessary to limit the cyanuric concentration to 25 mg/L

The other type of amperometric probe is known as
or even 20 mg/L to obtain a satisfactory ORP reading.
potentiostatic three electrode amperometric (or triIt is often difficult to obtain a satisfactory ORP reading in
amperometric) and uses an integral electrolyte salt supply
an indoor pool with excessive combined chlorine. It may
for probe buffering. Quartz grit is used for hydro-
be necessary to control combined chlorine by the
mechanical self cleaning of the sensor tip in a specially
installation and use of medium pressure UV light lamps or
designed flowcell ensuring probe reliability, stability and
low dose ozone to obtain a satisfactory ORP reading.
accuracy in the constantly varying water conditions of

heavily loaded swimming pools. This type of probe has
ORP will also vary according to the water source used to
an advantage over the membrane chlorine probe as it is
fill the swimming pool. ORP will vary according to the
lower in maintenance, needs no membrane cap
materials used to construct the swimming pool.
replacement and is cheaper to replace.
The amperometric method of control relies on measuring
Water balance is most significantly affected by:
free chlorine (hypochlorous acid) using probes which are

calibrated at specific set points. Unlike ORP, which gives a
pH
good measure of disinfection, a pool operator using the
Total alkalinity
amperometric method may inaccurately believe that
Calcium hardness
disinfection is adequate based on free chlorine alone.
Temperature
To effectively use amperometric control, a pool operator

needs to understand that disinfection efficiency is affected
Total dissolved solids (TDS) have a minor effect on
by interferences from extremely high TDS, turbidity,
swimming pool water balance unless at an extremely
chloramines, high pH and cyanuric acid, and to continually
high level not normally encountered in swimming pools.
monitor these parameters to prevent poor disinfection.
TDS has a major effect in high evaporative water use in

devices such as boilers and cooling towers. This is further
The amperometric method places greater reliance on a
discussed in section 7.6.2.
skilled pool operator to ensure the maintenance of water

quality for good disinfection rates.
6.3.4
Automatic controllers
6.4.2
pH
pH is a measure of the hydrogen ion concentration in

water or more simply a measure of how acid or alkaline a
Recently, some overseas manufacturers have developed
pool is. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7.0 being
advanced controllers which are reported to make the
neutral. A pH below 7.0 indicates acidic conditions and a
most of the benefits of each sensor technology and are
pH above 7.0 indicates alkaline conditions. To maintain
capable of combining the inputs of both free chlorine
disinfection levels and bather comfort, pH should be
probes, total chlorine probes and/or redox (ORP) probes
maintained between 7.2-7.6 (maximum 7.8). At a pH
using patented control algorithms. This approach ensures
below 7.2 there is discomfort to bathers and corrosion to
both consistent disinfection under varying water conditions
pool equipment. See section 4.4.1 for a discussion on the
and reliable free chlorine residual levels. This technology
effect of pH on chlorine disinfection.
is soon to be introduced into Australia.

6.4.3
6.3.5 pH
probes
Total alkalinity
Total alkalinity is a measure of the alkaline salts
pH probes and automatic pH control are best practice for
(bi-carbonates, carbonates and hydroxides) present in
maintaining disinfection concentration and disinfection
water. Total alkalinity prevents large fluctuations in pH,
power. The pH probe needs to be calibrated regularly and
known as pH bounce. To increase total alkalinity, a buffer
should be serviced and cleaned regularly in accordance
such as sodium bicarbonate is added to the water; to
with the manufacturers specification.
lower total alkalinity, acid is added. pH will need to be
6.4
Water balancing
6.4.1
Overview
re-adjusted as a change in total alkalinity alters pH. Table

6.1 is an overview of total alkalinity levels.
6.4.4
Calcium hardness
The term chemical water balance means that pH, total
Calcium hardness is a measure of the amount of
alkalinity and calcium hardness are within an optimum
dissolved calcium salts present in the water. Pool water
range to prevent calcium scaling, calcium corrosion and
that is very high in calcium hardness can cause scaling of
bather discomfort.
heaters and pool finishes. Pools that have low calcium

hardness can cause corrosion of pool equipment and
Balanced pool water prolongs the life of a pool and its
etching of cement and tile grout.
fittings, assists with preventing stains and improves bather

comfort. Where dissolved salts in the pool water are too
Some raw water sources from rural areas are naturally
high, salt precipitates out of solution and deposits known
hard (hardness over 250 mg/L CaCO3) making these
as scaling may occur. Scale is more likely to form within
water sources more suited to treatment using sodium
heating units because as the temperature of water increases
hypochlorite rather than calcium hypochlorite. Similarly,
the solubility of calcium decreases. However, scale may also
soft waters (hardness under 50 mg/L CaCO3) should be
form within pipes and can cause mud balls within filters.
treated with an alkaline disinfectant such as calcium
Table 6.1: Total alkalinity-related pool problems

Ideal
80 100 ppm for high pH disinfectants
100 120 ppm for low pH disinfectants
Minimum
60 ppm
Low
Total
Alkalinity
pH Bounce
Etching of pool/spa surface
Staining of surface walls
Heater failure
hypochlorite or sodium hypochlorite plus calcium chloride,

and a gentle acid such as carbonic acid from carbon
buffering effect. A pool consultant should be engaged to
determine the most suitable pool treatment system.
Temperature
Temperature has an important effect on water balance,

mainly because calcium salts become less soluble at
higher temperatures. Hence high temperature pools are
often subject to scaling as the calcium salts deposit on
equipment and pipes. At a lower temperature the water
can absorb more calcium which could cause etching of
Langelier saturation index
In order to measure or to give an indication of the

solubility of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in the swimming
pool water, the Langelier saturation index (LSI) is used.
There are four parameters that need measuring and input
into a formula to calculate the index:
n
pH
Temperature temperature factor (TF)
Total alkalinity alkalinity factor (AF)
Calcium hardness calcium factor (CF).
High
Total
Alkalinity
Table 6.2: Temperature factor (TF)

Factor
0
3
8
12
16
19
24
29
34
41
0.0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
Table 6.3: Alkalinity factor (AF)

Total alkalinity (mg/L)
pool surfaces.
6.4.6
200 ppm
pH Lock
Cloudy water
Rough pool/spa surfaces
Clogged filters
Clogged heater elements
Reduced circulation
Temperature C
dioxide should be used to decrease pH with a gentle
6.4.5
Maximum
Factor
5
25
50
75
100
150
200
300
400
800
0.7
1.4
1.7
1.9
2.0
2.2
2.3
2.5
2.6
2.9
Table 6.4: Calcium factor (CF)

Calcium hardness (mg/L)
5
The LSI formula is:

pH + TF + AF + CF 12.1 = LSI where 12.1 is an
adjustment constant. The ideal result for the LSI is 0.2
with a range of 0.5 to + 0.5.
The temperature factor (TF), the alkalinity factor (AF) and
25
50
75
100
150
200
300
400
800
Factor
0.3
1.0
1.3
1.5
1.6
1.8
1.9
2.1
2.2
2.5
the calcium factor (CF) are obtained from using the Tables
below and extrapolating factors as required.
Backwashing of sand filters
Example LSI calculation
6.5
A hydrotherapy pool is tested and the following results
Regular backwashing of sand filters in accordance with
determined:
the manufacturers specification is essential for proper
pH 8.2; total alkalinity 200 mg/L; calcium hardness 800

mg/L and temperature at
33 C.
cleaning, maintenance and operation of pool filters.

Backwashing, when indicated by a back pressure gauge,
is done by reversing the flow of pool water through the
LSI = 8.2 + 0.8 + 2.3 + 2.5 12.1 = +1.7
filters allowing the trapped material to flow to waste.

Backwashing should continue until the backwash water
The index is too positive and needs to be lowered to less
runs clear. Some backwashing systems have a rinse cycle.
than +0.5 to prevent scale forming. The temperature is
A well cleaned filter greatly assists filtration.
fixed so adjustments need to be made to the other

parameters. pH needs to be adjusted to 7.5 (which also
Swimming pool backwash wastewater consists of all of
improves the disinfection power of chlorine), total
the pollutants that are filtered from a pool. The majority
alkalinity to 150 mg/L and calcium hardness to150 mg/L.
of pollutants are introduced into the pool from bathers.

Backwash water may be heavily polluted with a wide
LSI = 7.5 + 0.8 + 2.2 + 1.8 12.1 = +0.2

6.4.7
Corrosive water the Ryznar index
range of pathogenic micro-organisms, and chemicals

from oil, lotions, urine, detergents, saliva, faeces and
disinfection by-products. While some sections of the
The Ryznar index (RI) should be used to predict more
swimming pool industry advocate the occasional addition
accurately than the LSI the scaling or corrosive tendencies
of liquid soap during backwashing to remove grease and
of swimming pool
water.37
Similar to the LSI, the RI uses
pH, pool temperature, calcium, total alkalinity and TDS to
oils from the sand, the filter manufacturer should be

contacted for an opinion.
calculate the pH of saturation (pHs) and then the RI.
Reuse of backwash water (externally)
There are various RI calculators that can be found on the
6.5.1
web, for example
Usually the wastewater generated from backwashing is
http://www.lenntech.com/ro/index/ryznar.htm
discharged to the sewerage system in accordance with a

trade waste agreement with the local sewerage authority.
Ryznar index example
Trade waste agreements are becoming more expensive.

As water is scarce in many areas of Australia, treated
Consider a swimming pool with the following water
backwash water is increasingly being reused for cleaning
chemistry parameters:
and irrigation purposes and, highly treated, for recycling
pH 7.5;Temperature 27oC; Calcium 250 mg/L; Total
into the pool and for toilet flushing.
alkalinity 100 mg/L; TDS 2000 mg/L

Under no circumstances should backwash wastewater be
The pH of saturation (pHs) for this water is calculated
directly discharged to the environment or to the stormwater
at 7.4 and an RI of 7.3 (using the above URL reference).
system. The wastewater is extremely harmful to the
Based on these parameters, the LSI equates to 0.1.
environment and promotes weed growth in natural
However the Ryznar index of 7.3 indicates that a corrosive
bushland areas.
condition exists. Ideally water should be maintained

within the RI range of 6.3 6.7 with 6.5 being the
The backwash wastewater may be suitable for reuse on
ideal target.
parks and gardens or for dust suppression on road works

if properly assessed and pre-treated. Untreated and
The above example shows that water with an acceptable
un-disinfected backwash wastewater must never come
LSI can be corrosive. For additional information regarding
into direct contact with people.
corrosion or water balance a pool specialist should be

contacted.
The reuse of backwash wastewater must be fully assessed

and a water reuse plan developed. A health risk assessment
should be performed using Environmental Health Risk
Assessment Guidelines for assessing human health risks
from environmental hazards.38
Issues to consider in the health risk assessment include:
Reverse osmosis is presently the best available technology

for the treatment of backwash water for recycling. Pre-
Reduction of salinity / total dissolved solids
treatment using ultra-fine filtration and granular activated
Potential reuse options
carbon may be necessary to prolong the life of the
n Storage
reverse osmosis membrane.
Savings on discharge to trade waste
Costs of reuse
Reverse osmosis has been shown to remove the majority
Environmental grants
of dissolved contaminants (more than 99.5% dissolved
Treatment / pre-treatment / disinfection
salt and up to 97% of most dissolved organics), and

99.99% of micro-organisms. However because of the
The advice of a consultant in developing reuse options
high set up, operational and maintenance costs, the cost
is recommended.
of recycling backwash may outweigh any benefits.40
6.5.2
Reverse osmosis should be installed with supporting
Recycling of swimming pool

backwash wastewater
treatments to greatly enhance its efficiency. The advice of

a consultant in designing a recycling plant is essential.
Backwash water
Backwash water may be heavily contaminated with
pathogenic micro-organisms and harmful chemicals.
6.6
Minimising pool pollution
6.6.1
Restricting bather load and

encouraging bather hygiene
Backwash water should never be reused or recycled
Restricting bather loads and encouraging bathers to toilet
without adequate treatment.
and shower before using a public pool is important for

To conserve water, recycling of treated backwash water
maintaining water quality. Filtration systems are designed
to top-up swimming pools and spa pools is supported
for a maximum bather load and this limit should not be
provided the backwash is treated to an acceptable
exceeded. The bather load should be expressed and
standard and controls are in place to protect public health.
documented by the pool designer.
Recycling swimming pool backwash water involves
Additional strategies to maintain water quality through
treatment to a suitable standard to allow recycling into
patron behaviour are recommended in Chapter 8, section
the pool. As pool water will be accidentally swallowed,
8.5, Education.
the quality of recycled backwash water should meet the
Total dissolved solids
Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (2004)39 and
6.6.2
controls need to be in place to protect against system
Total dissolved solids (TDS) increases as minerals and
failures. Any deviations from these guidelines should be
chemicals dissolve in water. TDS is an indication of the
supported by a health risk assessment. The National
total amount of the dissolved solids in the water. As TDS
Water Quality Management Strategy, Australian
increases so does the conductivity of the water. Conductivity
Guidelines for Water Recycling: Managing Health and

Environmental Risk (Phase 1) should be used as a
can be measured in the field while TDS cannot. An
guide.40
estimation of TDS is therefore made from conductivity.
Environmental Health Risk Assessment Guidelines for

assessing human health risks from environmental hazards
The main effect of TDS is to indicate the possible
(2002) also includes useful information.38
corrosiveness and solubility of minerals in water. As TDS

rises the concentration of corrosion inducing ions increases
Appendix C provides an example of some of the
and the oxidisers efficiency generally improves, unless the
components to consider for recycling of swimming pool
main component of TDS is reductants. However, if pools
backwash water based on Australian Guidelines for Water
are properly balanced according to the Ryznar Index (see
Recycling: Managing Health and Environmental Risk
section 7.4.7) the effect of TDS on corrosion or scaling is
(Phase 1). 40
negligible.
A high TDS may indicate a high salinity and salty taste that
is caused by a high concentration of sodium ions. A high
(iii) Rainwater (roof water) harvesting
TDS may also indicate a build up of disinfection
The use of filtered clean rainwater collected from the roof
by-products or organic chemicals that cannot be readily
(not general stormwater runoff) to fill spa pools and
removed from solution. Specific chemical testing is
swimming pools is supported provided controls are in place
required to identify and determine a course of action.
to protect public health. Rainwater collected in tanks can
High TDS is also a confounder which may affect both
be safely used for pools provided it is introduced into the
ORP and amperometric sensing equipment.
pool through either the balance tank or into the pool at

night to allow sufficient time for treatment before bathers
TDS (and conductivity) is more important in industrial
enter the pool.
processes where high evaporation rates lead to high TDS.

This situation occurs in cooling towers and boiler
Safe rainwater use for swimming pools is achievable in
applications but in swimming pools it has a minor
most situations, unless rainwater is collected from roofs
effect overall.
either constructed of hazardous materials (such as lead or

preservative-treated timber) or located in heavily polluted
To reduce TDS levels, water dumping which occurs during
areas where particulate pollution from vehicles, aircraft
backwashing, followed by dilution with fresh water with
and industrial activities may contaminate rainwater.
a low TDS is needed. Alternatively, reverse osmosis can

be used but this is an expensive process to control a
First flush systems effectively minimise particulate and
minor effect.
microbial pollution. First flush systems reduce
6.6.3
Water sources
(i) Mains water
contamination because the first few litres of rainwater,

which contain the highest concentration of pollutants,
are discarded to stormwater. First flush systems have
been installed in various industrial and commercial
The quality of the water source used to fill and top-up
applications and have proved to be a reliable way of
the swimming pool needs to be regularly checked for the
reducing rainwater contamination. Microbial
basic parameters of free chlorine, total chlorine, pH,
contamination of rainwater can also be easily controlled
alkalinity, ORP, turbidity, TDS and colour. The incoming
by chlorination in the collection tank. The area of the
water may greatly affect the swimming pool water
roof being used needs to be considered when
quality. For example, disinfection of the mains water may
determining the quantity of first flush water to discard.
be by the use of chlorine and ammonia a process

known as chloramination which may elevate the pool
Rainwater can have the added benefits of being low in
combined chlorine concentration and prevent breakpoint
TDS and being soft water, i.e. low in carbonates.
chlorination.
In heavily polluted areas, the cost of pre-treatment to

maintain safe water may outweigh any benefits,
Although the mains water may be disinfected it may not
especially where a reliable water source exists.
be filtered. This could lead to temporary clarity and

sediment problems. It is appropriate that mains water is
introduced into the pool either through the balance tank
Further information is contained in Rainwater Tanks

and Guidance on use of rainwater
41
tanks.42
or at night to allow sufficient time for treatment before

bathers enter the pool.
The use of filtered clean rainwater to top-up swimming

pools is supported provided controls are in place to
(ii) Borewater
protect public health. A suggested risk assessment and

management framework is outlined in Annexure D.
Some bore waters are hard and high in calcium and

magnesium carbonates. Such water may cause difficulties
in balancing pool water, heating and scaling. The use of
calcium hypochlorite as a disinfectant may worsen the
problem. The advice of water treatment experts should
be sought.
6.7
Prevention and control

of chloramines in indoor
aquatic centres
Indoor swimming pools may have difficulty obtaining

breakpoint and may require additional treatment using
UV light, ozone, or the addition of other oxidisers such as
hydrogen peroxide and potassium monopersulphate.
Chloramines can cause eye and respiratory irritations,
Some pool materials may be adversely affected by high
interfere with disinfection, place extra demands on
concentrations of chlorine. A pool chemistry expert
chlorine and ruin the fun of swimming. They must be
should be consulted to ensure that superchlorination is
maintained below 1mg/L. The following measures may
carried out in a safe and efficient manner.
assist to prevent and control chloramines particularly in

6.7.3
indoor aquatic centres. Refer to section 4.4.1 for a

discussion on chloramines.
6.7.1
Shock dosing
(i) Chlorine dioxide
Education
Chlorine dioxide can be used as a shock treatment for
Bather hygiene is essential to prevent excess chloramine
swimming pools and spa pools as it is an effective
formation. Educational strategies and pool policies should
oxidiser and more effectively inactivates Cryptosporidium
encourage or require patrons to:
oocysts than hypochlorous acid. Chlorine dioxide does

not form chloramines. The formation of chlorite and
Use the toilet on entry to the pool change rooms
chlorate may cause adverse health effects and it is
Thoroughly wash themselves with soap before
necessary to ensure these harmful chemicals do not
swimming to remove faecal and chemical
accumulate. The World Health Organization recommends
contamination (cosmetics, deodorant and perspiration)
that the chlorite (ClO2-) concentration should not exceed
Ensure children have regular toilet breaks
0.3 mg/L and a provisional guideline of 0.7 mg/L has
Ensure infants who are not toilet-trained wear tight-
been set for chlorate (ClO3-).
fitting waterproof swimming pants or swimming nappies

n
Ensure nappies are changed regularly, away from the
Chlorine dioxide should not be used in conjunction with
pool in the change room. Nappies should be disposed
ozone or an activated carbon filter as these combinations
of in a bin and then hands thoroughly washed.
will increase the concentration of chlorite. Dilution with

fresh water may be necessary to maintain acceptable
There is overseas evidence that compliance with these
water quality.
hygiene practices has enabled lower chlorine usage

because chlorine demand and the need for oxidation
(ii) Potassium monopersulphate
have been lowered. See section 8.5 for the Healthy

Swimming program materials for pool operators.
6.7.2
Potassium monopersulphate can also be used to control

chloramines in heavily used pools. These products lower
Superchlorination
the chlorine demand by oxidising ammonia and other
Superchlorination can be used to control chloramines.
pool contaminants. Care must be taken to ensure that
However if it is not performed properly it can result in
potassium monopersulphate is not overused, because
more problems for the pool operator. Superchlorination
long-term use has been associated with skin irritation.
should be carried out when the pool is closed and
Potassium monopersulphate interferes with the DPD
adequate ventilation must be provided to remove any
reagent No 3, causing water samples to turn dark red.
volatile chloramines that may form. Regular
The monopersulphate is oxidised by this reagent and a
superchlorination may be necessary, depending on the
false high total chlorine measurement is given. This effect
ammonia nitrogen concentration and its ratio to chlorine.
usually ceases after 24 hours after which time total

chlorine may be measured more accurately.
The aim of superchlorination is to achieve a condition
Ultra violet light treatment systems
known as breakpoint (see Appendix A), the point at
6.7.4
which free chlorine is present with very little, if any,
Ultraviolet (UV) light treatment systems may be installed
chloramine. Breakpoint reactions are dependent upon
in indoor swimming pool circulation systems to lower
pH, temperature, contact time and initial concentrations
chloramine concentrations. Medium pressure UV light
of chlorine to ammonia and chlorine to ammonia
systems which produce high intensity light between
nitrogen ratios.
wavelengths of 180 to 400 nanometers (nm) are most
by-product by specific wavelength UV lamps. Corona
effective at destroying chloramines because the chlorine
discharge produces large quantities of ozone in comparison
to nitrogen bond is broken between a wavelength range
to the UV light method. Ozones occupational threshold
of 245 and 340 nm. Medium pressure UV lamps are not
limit value is 0.1 mg/m3 in air. At 1.0 mg/m3 in air it is
affected by water temperature. Low pressure UV lamps
extremely hazardous to health.
with an electromagnetic spectrum between 185 and 254

nm are unsuitable for chloramine destruction although
Ozone is a short lived, unstable but powerful oxidising
some are reported to destroy chloramines.
and disinfection agent and does not react with porcelain

or glass. Ozone disappears quickly from water; a
UV light systems provide additional disinfection by
characteristic which is advantageous, but
inactivating micro-organisms, especially protozoans such
disadvantageous because it cannot be relied upon to
as Cryptosporidium parvum. Destruction of micro-
provide continuous residual disinfection.
organisms is greatest between the wavelengths of 240

and 280 nm and is thus another reason supporting the
See 5.3.3 for information on the use of low dose ozone.
installation of UV light treatment.

Where ozone is used in conjunction with bromine, an
UV light treatment systems do not produce a residual
activated carbon filter bed is not required to quench the
disinfection effect and must therefore be used with an
ozone, provided that there is always an excess
approved residual disinfectant such as chlorine or
concentration of bromide in the water. This ensures the
bromine. There is also some concern that UV light
complete destruction of residual ozone. This treatment
treatment may increase disinfection by-products under
system requires a highly skilled designer and operator to
some circumstances.
ensure safe operating conditions.
UV lamp sleeves need regular cleaning because they may
6.7.6
continually foul with oils and greases such as cosmetics
In some swimming pool installations, incoming source
and sun screening lotions. Manual or automatic UV lamp
water is filtered using a granulated activated carbon
wiping systems are usually provided in modern pool UV
(GAC) filter to adsorb ammonia. GAC filters are also used
light systems for this reason. The latest medium pressure
to filter ozone and sometimes organic materials.
UV lamps also include the capacity to adjust UV intensity
Unfortunately GAC filters also remove chlorine, which is
to the waters light transmission ability or clarity so that
expensive to replace.
they operate at the highest output under heavy loading
Granulated activated carbon filters
Zeolite
conditions and at the lowest output at night to save
6.7.7
energy. This more effectively targets combined chlorine
Zeolites are porous volcanic materials and their properties
while prolonging lamp life. UV lamps have a useful life of
vary according to geographical source. It is claimed that
approximately 12 to 18 months and should be replaced in
zeolites reduce the formation of chloramines by
accordance with the manufacturers recommendations.
adsorbing ammonia and solid particles to 5 microns.
6.7.5
Ozone
Investigations are still being performed into the attributes

of zeolite.
Ozone is a powerful oxidant which is used to control
Ventilation indoor
chloramines and provide additional disinfection. Any
6.7.8
residual ozone must be quenched before the water is
Adequate exhaust ventilation and fresh air are essential
returned to the pool to prevent it from de-gassing from
for efficient removal of chloramines and other air
the pool into the breathing zone of deeply breathing
impurities. Chloramines, particularly trichloramine, are
swimmers. A residual disinfectant such as chlorine or
volatile, that is, they readily move from the water to the
bromine must be reinstated after ozone quenching.
air. However, when the air becomes saturated with

chloramine they will no longer be given off and can be
Ozone is produced commercially by discharging high
re-dissolved into the same or other swimming pools in
voltage electricity (4,000 v to 30,000 v) through clean,
the same room. Pool covers, while preventing heat loss
cool, dry air or oxygen. This is known as the corona
can also prevent chloramines from volatilising and being
discharge method. Ozone may also be produced as a
removed from the building.
There is a balance between losses of warm air,

re-circulating warm air and off-gassing of chloramines.
This balance needs to be determined without causing
drafts and requires the expertise of suitably qualified
ventilation professionals.
Recent articles suggest that there are associated health
risks with poor indoor pool ventilation. In the absence of
definitive studies this may be an emerging health issue.
CHAPTER 7
Design, construction and amenities
7.1
Overview and introduction
7.2
Circulation and filtration
Public swimming pools and spa pools are designed to
Effective circulation and filtration of swimming pool
contain a large volume of water to enable swimming.
water is essential for clear, clean water. Pools with poor
A new public swimming pool should be equipped with
clarity and turbidity are more likely to contain higher
an effective water circulation system, a water filtration
numbers of micro-organisms because turbidity reduces
system, and an automatic disinfectant dosing system.
disinfection efficiency and may shield micro-organisms

from disinfection. Also, it is essential to clearly see the
Continuous non-automatic metered disinfectant dosing
bottom of the pool in order to detect submerged or
systems are more suited to low bather load and low risk
drowning people, particularly children. Water clarity
pools such as motel pools where very low disinfection
(turbidity) can be measured and an upper limit of 0.5
demand would be experienced. It is recommended that
nephelometric turbidity units (NTU) is recommended by
all high bathing load pools and variable bathing load
WHO (2006).2
pools should have automatic dosing systems.

Efficient pool filtration and circulation systems need to be
All swimming pools and spa pools should be constructed
designed by an experienced professional water treatment
according to the Building Code of Australia and
plant designer and correctly installed. Well designed
recognising any appropriate Australian Standards / New
filtration ensures efficient removal of particulates
Zealand Standards. Competition swimming pools also
(suspended solids) and effective distribution ensures
need to be constructed to satisfy the rules and
application of residually disinfected water uniformly
regulations of the Federation Internationale de Natation
throughout the pool. Poor circulation leads to dead spots
(FINA www.fina.org/project/index.php) All pools should
of poor quality water.
comply with the NSW Swimming Pool Act 1992

administered by local councils.
All of the water treatment plant must be specifically

designed for the type of pool it is to serve. For example,
There are some common sense health and safety features
a water treatment plant for a 25 m pool would be
for swimming pools:
significantly different to that for a childrens shallow pool.
Clearly visible depth markings
Ideally, 75-80% of the pool water should be taken from
No sudden steep floor changes of greater than 1:15 in
the surface of the pool because it contains the highest
shallow areas to a depth of 1.6 m
concentration of pollutants. The remainder should be
No projections into the pool
drawn from the bottom of the pool to remove grit and
Non-slip surfaces at depths less than 1.2 metres
other matter that accumulates on the pool floor.
Recessed ladders and lane divider hooks
Suctions and covers that are maintained in good
7.2.1
working order
Efficient removal of surface water is critical for
n
n
Surface water removal
The pool surrounds should be of a non-slip material,
maintaining water quality because surface water contains
extend at least 1m from the pool, be graded away
the highest concentration of pollutants from body fats,
from the pool and drained to waste
oils, sunscreens, sputum and windblown debris. Surface
No overcrowding which could lead to safety issues
water removal occurs at deck-level or through overflow
Light pool colours which would not disguise a
channels or skimmers.
submerged body
All pool surrounds and concourse areas should be
from the pool using multiple suctions of a velocity of not
constructed of water impervious, non-slip materials and
more than 0.25 m/s. Each suction should be fitted with a
be graded away from the pool. A pool concourse should
vacuum device to ensure that bathers cannot be trapped.
not be less than 1 m in width and be graded and drained

Foot baths for bathers are not recommended as they are
to waste, not to the pool circulation system.
more likely to transmit infections than wash

Deck-level (wet decks): Most modern pools incorporate
contamination from feet.
deck-level surface water removal into their design. These

systems are the most efficient at removing pollutants
from pool surface water because the surface water
continuously flows into the wet deck. To achieve this, the
pool water must always remain at the same level as the
wet deck. Wet decks have the added advantage of
reducing wave rebound action and provide a stable water
level. Excess water is stored in a balance tank and is
utilised when needed and for backwashing.
Overflow channels (gutters): Overflow channels or
Pool circulation
At least 75-80% of the pool water should be
taken from the surface of the pool and the
remainder from the bottom. Bottom suction
should be achieved using multiple suctions
of a velocity of not more than 0.25 m/s
(metres per second) and a minimum
separation distance of 0.8 m. Deep-end
suction outlets are considered essential and
should be designed to prevent entrapment.
gutters are more common in older pools built prior to the
Bather load
1970s. Overflow channels collect surface water
7.2.2
continuously from the pool in a sill like gutter structure.
Bather load is a measure of the number of bathers in the
Similar to wet decks, water displaced by swimmers flows
pool and is normally expressed as a Maximum
into the overflow channel. The overflow channel is
Instantaneous Bather Load (MIBL). Before turnover,
connected to a drain. In some systems the excess water
circulation rates and filtration rates can be considered,
is stored in a balance tank which may be used for
bather load must be determined. WHO (2006)2 has
backwashing or topping up the pool when needed.
adopted the Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group
Careful attention needs to be paid to the pool water level
(PWTAG) methodology for determining turnover through
if a balance tank is not used as surface water removal
bather load and circulation rate.44
may not be effective. Similarly, depending on design,

wave action may render skimming less effective until the
Bather load is determined by the surface area of the pool
pool is relatively still.
required per bather and as a function of water depth.

As water depth increases the greater pool surface area
Skimmers (skimmer box): These are small open ended
needed to swim. The MIBL also gives an indication of the
boxes with a flap type floating weir and trash basket to
amount of bather pollution being introduced into the pool.
trap floating debris. These act in a similar manner to
This pollution may vary according to the size of bathers as
overflow channels, but are considered unsuitable for
children have a much lower surface area than adults
public swimming pools because they have limited
(assuming that all people toilet before entering the pool).
capacity to remove flotsam and do not cope well with
To maintain water quality, comfort and safety, the design
variations in water level arising from displaced pool water.
MIBL requirements should not be exceeded, Table 7.1 should
Skimmers are also less effecting during wave action and
be used as a guide where the design MIBL requirements
perform better when bathers are absent from the pool.
have not been specified by the design consultant
Skimmer boxes, although not recommended in

public pools, must be designed and installed to
Table 7.1: Maximum instantaneous bather load according
prevent entrapment and disembowelment.
to water depth
Water features: The water used to supply water features
Water depth
Maximum bathing load
< 1.0 m
1 bather per 2.2 m2
should not be drawn from the distribution / circulation
1.0 1.5 m
1 bather per 2.7 m2
system. Water feature supply water should be drawn
> 1.5 m
1 bather per 4.0 m2
from the body of the pool and pumped directly to the

water feature. The water feature water must be drawn
Source: PWTAG 199944 and WHO 20062
7.2.3
Circulation rate and pool turnover
It has been recommended by some swimming pool
The circulation rate is the flow of water, measured in cubic
designers that where ultrafine filters are used, which filter
metres per hour (m3/h), to and from the pool through all
pool water to 2 m or less, that the turnover time in
the pipe work and treatment system. To calculate
indoor swimming pools can be increased by 15% and
circulation rate PWTAG (1999) uses the formula of:
outdoor swimming pools increased by 10%. The

Stevenson formulae for pool turnover times are derived
Circulation rate (m3/h) = Maximum instantaneous bathing
from the previous NSW Health 1996 guideline45, together
load (persons) 1.7 (a constant)
with PWTAG44 and WHO2 recommendations by removing

the stepwise increments due to varying pool depth
Pool turnover is the time taken for the entire pool water
categories. No pool should have a turnover period longer
volume to pass through the filters and treatment plant
than six hours.
and back to the pool (WHO, 2006). This does not mean
that all of the water will leave the pool and be
re-circulated. Rather it is a measurement of the equivalent
pool volume, as some of the pool water will not actually
be recirculated. Turnover time is expressed in the number
of hours to complete one turnover. The type, size and
particularly the depth of the pool determine pool
turnover time. Shallow wading pools and spas require a
shorter turnover time as they are subject to more bather
pollution per volume of water (bather load). Diving pools
Table 7.2: Recommended pool turnover times

Pool type
Maximum turnover time
Spa pools
20 minutes maximum
Stevenson formula for indoor

swimming pools
(1.3 depth) + 0.2 hours
Stevenson formula for outdoor

swimming pools
(1.8 depth) + 0.2 hours
Multiplier for indoor swimming

pools where an ultrafine filter
is used: 1.15
Multiplier for outdoor

swimming pools where an
ultrafine filter is used: 1.10
need a slower turnover time because there is a very low

NOTES: Water playgrounds and splash pools are not
pollution to volume ratio.
included in the above calculations as they must be

There are four reasons for specifying minimum
specifically designed. Where pools are greater than 4m
turnover rates:
deep they shall be calculated as a 4m pool.
To ensure that there is sufficient water for effective
EXAMPLE 1: The maximum turnover time for an indoor
distribution in the pool and adequate surface water
pool of 1.2 m uniform depth using an ultrafine filter is:
velocity for the removal of surface contaminants
((1.3 1.2) + 0.2) 1.15 = 2.0 hours
To ensure that contaminated swimming pool water is

returned to the water treatment plant with sufficient
EXAMPLE 2: The maximum turnover time for an outdoor
speed
pool of 1.2 m uniform depth using a granular filter is:
To ensure a large enough water treatment plant to
((1.8 1.2) + 0.2) = 2.36 hours
effectively remove turbidity to achieve acceptable

n
standards of clarity
EXAMPLE 3: The maximum turnover time for an outdoor
To ensure sufficient water disinfection.
pool of 1.2 m uniform depth using an ultrafine filter is:

((1.8 1.2) + 0.2) 1.10 = 2.6 hours
The relationship between circulation rate and turnover is:

Turnover period (h) = Water volume (m3)

Circulation rate
(m3/h)
There are many special pool applications where the

methodology needs to be modified to account for: pool
water features, bubble pools, waterslide splash pools, beach
When a turnover period is too long, disinfectant levels
pools, pools with moveable floors, spa pools, shallow
will decay and turbidity will increase. A faster turnover
leisure pools, wave pools and hydrotherapy pools.
period allows greater control over disinfectant levels and
Such pools need to be designed by experienced
turbidity. Because the bather load is a function of water
professional pool designers.
depth, calculations of turnover can lead to step-wise

calculations. The recommended pool turnover times as a
function of water volume and circulation rates formulae
have been derived by Stevenson and Associates (pers
comm.) and are specified in Table 7.2.
7.2.4
Water distribution
zonal and non-zonal
A risk management plan to ensure that possible

public health risks are minimised
Calculations of water flow for each depth should be done
Full automation of disinfection and pH processes
separately, not on an average depth of the whole pool.
Limiting bather numbers
This results in zonal distribution. To ensure that all areas
Elevation of minimum disinfectant concentrations
of a pool are disinfected and filtered, no part of a pool
Improving filtration.
should be further than 5.0 m from an inlet.
7.3
Filtration systems
In applying the recommended turnover rates most pools

will have varying flow rates that may result in a zonal
It is a common misconception that all of the water in a
water supply system. The volume of water to be
swimming pool or spa pool will be filtered during one
circulated in any one zone is the volume of the pool zone
pool turnover. At the start of filtration the first flows will
divided by the turnover rate. Therefore the turnover
be dirty water and, as this water is filtered and returned
(hours) is equal to the zone volume
(m3)
divided by the
to the pool, it will mix with and dilute the remaining dirty
circulation rate (m3/h).

7.2.5
water. Filtration is accomplished by consecutive dilution

which relies on continuous turnover and dilution to
Separate plant for high risk pools
remove impurities. About 67% of the filterable material is
Because toddler pools, infant learn-to-swim pools and
removed on the first turnover and then in accordance
pools used by faecally incontinent persons are high risk
with Table 7.3.
pools in regard to Cryptosporidium and Giardia

contamination, these pools should have their own
Table 7.3: Consecutive dilution of a pool
circulation and treatment systems and be separate from

other pool circulation systems.
No. of turnovers
Filterable suspended solids

removed (%)
67.0
86.0
It is recommended that all new pools be dye tested so
95.0
that the pool owner / operator / designer / engineer gains
98.0
an understanding of the overall effectiveness of circulation
99.3
patterns and identifies any possible dead spots.
99.7
99.9
10
99.99
7.2.6
7.2.7
Dye Testing
Entrapment prevention
Swimming pools and spa pools must be designed to

prevent entrapment. Relevant standards should be consulted.
7.2.8
In reality, the pool will be in use and contaminants will be

continuously added while being continuously filtered.
Upgrading existing outdoor pools
Therefore the contaminants will reach equilibrium with
Upgrading and refurbishing of existing outdoor pools
turnover rates and remain fairly constant according to the
often presents a dilemma for pool owners, particularly
bathing load. The more rapid the turnover rate the less
local councils with limited funding. Where it is not
time to reach equilibrium and the lower the contaminant
possible to upgrade to this Advisory Document, but funds
level as shown in Table 7.4.
are available to effect some improvements, attempts

should be made to upgrade to the most economically
Table 7.4: Turnover equilibrium times
feasible optimum design configuration. The following
Turnover
(hours)
issues should be considered:

n
Filterable suspended
solids removed (%)
(Original 100%)
Turnover should not be longer than 4 hours for
48
19
155
depths less than 3 metres for a swimming pool and
24
58
12
16
longer than 30 minutes for a spa pool

n
Days to reach
equilibrium
Strategies should be developed to compensate for the

lack of turnover. Such strategies could include:
For these reasons filtration should never be relied upon to
Coagulation/flocculation: Coagulants are filter aids for
remove live micro-organisms, particularly Cryptosporidium
the additional removal of dissolved, colloidal and suspended
and Giardia, from pool water.
matter by coagulation and then clumping together to

form a flocc. A filter more easily captures a flocc.
It is not the intention of this Advisory Document to

recommend specific flow rates, filtration rates and pipe
Aluminium-based flocculents include:
sizes as only turnover periods are specified. A professional

pool designer should be engaged to design filtration
anticipated bather load. Other factors such as budget,
Aluminium sulphate (ALUM) filter surface blanket

type flocculent;
systems according to the pool type, size and the

n
Polyaluminium chloride or aluminium hydroxychloride

(PAC) depth of filter bed flocculent;
maintenance and space requirements may also determine

the type of filtration system to be installed.
There are three main types of filters: element (cartridge),
Polyaluminium sulpho silicate (PASS) depth of filter

bed flocculent;
Sodium aluminate filter surface blanket type
flocculent.
granular (sand) and ultra fine (diatomaceous earth).

A comparison of some of the parameters of these filters
Aluminium-based flocculants operate best between a pH
may be found in Table 7.5.

7.3.1
Element filters (cartridge filters)
of 6.5 7.2 and where total alkalinity is greater than 75 mg/L

calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Pool pH should ideally be
Element filters are able to filter to 7 m (micrometres or
maintained between 7.2 and 7.6. Polyelectrolytes such as
microns). However, because of their short life span and
PAC and PASS produce tough flocc (which is more stable
their limited capacity to cope with large flows, they are
than ALUM floccs) and are capable of flocculating
only suitable for small, low bather load pools. Some pool
bacteria and algae for more efficient removal. Flocculants
engineers will not recommend element filters for public
should be dosed continuously in accordance with the
pools.
manufacturers specification and never hand dosed
7.3.2
Granular filters (typically sand filters)
(unless commissioning a new pool with dirty water).
Granular filtration, when used with a flocculant, is a very
PAC and similar polyelectrolytes are dosed as micro-feeds
efficient method of filtration provided the filters are
related to specific filter flows on a continuing basis.
specified by a water treatment engineer and that air scouring
ALUM floccs are generally dosed at the beginning of filter
is used when appropriate for backwashing the filter.
cycles as they form flocc blankets on the filter bed surface.

Generally, ALUM floccs are not suitable for filter flow
Granular filtration can be categorised according to
rates exceeding 10m3/h because they are driven into the
filtration flow rates:
media body and may be difficult to backwash clear or will

coagulate on the pool floor and internal surfaces of pipes.
Low rate (gravity) up to 10
m3/h:
have a large
footprint and were commonly associated with
7.3.3
swimming pools built before 1990. They are efficient
Ultrafine filters incorporating

diatomaceous earth filters
when used with a flocculating agent and often utilise
Ultrafine pre-coat filters (UFF) provide excellent particle
an air scour backwash.
removal efficiencies as they can filter to 1-2 m. This is
Medium rate (pressure) 11-30 m3/h: can filter to about
effective for the removal of Cryptosporidium oocysts.
7m using a suitable coagulant. These filtration
UFF is therefore recommended for all high-risk pools where
systems are most common in large commercial pools
the risk of Cryptosporidium contamination is greater.
and the use of a suitable flocculation agent

significantly improves efficiency.
n
High rate 31 to 50
m3/h:
are not well suited to heavy-
UFF rely on a replaceable filter medium such as

diatomaceous earth (celite) and perlite, which is replaced
use public swimming pools. They may not be efficient
after each backwash. The effectiveness of filtration is
at removing particles even when flocculation agents
dependent upon filter media, hydraulic loading and
are used and need to be well designed to cope with
maintenance.
higher velocity flows.
Table 7.5: A comparison of some filter types

Criteria
Filter type
Ultrafine
Common filter sizes
Up to 80
Medium granular
m2
Up to 20 m2
m3/m2/h
1.5 m3/m2/h
Up to 10
m3/m2/h
25-30
Element
m2
Design filter flow rate
3-5
Cleaning flow rate
5 m3/m2/h
37-42 m3/m2/hr
Not applicable
Cleaning
Periodic disassembly and septum cleaning
Backwash and rare sand

replacement
Manual, hose down
Average wash water
0.25 m3/m2 filter
3.0 m3/m2 filter air scour

3.3 m3/m2 filter water only
0.02 m3/m2 filter
Filter cleaning period
3 weekly (typically)
Weekly (typically)
Weekly or less (typically)
Filter aid
None
Micro-flocculants are
recommended
None
Cleaning implications
Backwash tank with separation zone for used

filter media.
Disposal of filter media and sludge waste. Trade
Waste Agreement with a discharge rate of 2 L/s
A hose-down and waste

A backwash tank.
Trade Waste Agreement with drain facility is required
a discharge rate of 2 L/s
Particulate collection
Surface
Depth
Surface
Particle removal
1-2 m
10 m; 7m with flocc
5 m
Use
All pools
All pools
Spas small
Recommended maximum
filtration rate
5 m3/h/m2
30 m3/h/m2
1.5 m3/h/m2
Source: Modified from WHO (2006)2
7.4
and ceilings should be light in colour. Lockers should be
Maintenance of swimming
pools and spa pools
inspected and cleaned weekly.

7.5.2
Light and ventilation
Reliable pool operation depends on regular maintenance
Adequate artificial and natural lighting and ventilation
of filtration equipment, probes, electrical and hydraulic
should be provided in accordance with the Building Code
equipment. All swimming pools and spa pools should be
of Australia and relevant Australian Standards.
maintained according to the manufacturers specifications.

Table 7.6 outlines some of the maintenance requirements
Adequate fresh make up air for indoor pools is necessary
that are required for the proper operation of public
to dilute volatile air contaminants. Where chlorine is used
swimming pools and spa pools.
as a disinfectant, inadequate ventilation results in the build
7.5
7.5.1
up of volatile combined chlorine in the air. This build up
Change rooms, pool hall

and amenities
can condense onto surfaces causing corrosion of stainless

steel and other building fabrics.
Floors, walls and change areas
Where a cooling tower is provided in water cooled
Floors within change rooms, bathrooms and toilets
ventilation systems, it should be registered with the local
should be coved at corners, graded and drained. Matting
authority and must comply with the microbial control
which can be easily cleaned and sanitised (such as PVC)
provisions of the Public Health Act 2010 and Public
should be used within change rooms and shower rooms
Health Regulation 2012, which can be accessed via:
to prevent the transmission of fungal infections such as
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/
tinea. Matting materials made from natural or woven
legionellacontrol/Pages/default.aspx
materials should not be used. Patrons should be
Showers
encouraged to wear sandals or thongs to limit contact
7.5.3
with potentially contaminated wet change room floors.
Ideally, swimming pool centres should be designed to

encourage all people to toilet and then shower before
Benches should be constructed of smooth impervious
entering a swimming pool. To facilitate this, an adequate
material and, if timber is used, it should be maintained by
number of showers should be located in the dressing
a lacquer or paint, which is easy to clean. All floors, walls
room in positions where patrons have to pass by them

before entry to the pool area.
Table 7.6: Minimum maintenance requirements of swimming pools and spa pools
Plant
Maintenance
Balance tank
Balance tanks need to be cleaned annually to remove any debris, mud and organic matter. Balance tanks, which do
not drain to waste, need to be pumped out.
Foot valve
If fitted, the foot valve should be serviced annually.
Supply (filtered)
water inlets
Pool supply water inlets and surrounding tiles should be checked after each shut down for damage and compliance
with the specifications. It is important to check the diameter of the supply return inlet because obstructions will
reduce flow rates (increase turnover times). Reduced flow rate could lead to poor water quality.
Return (soiled)
water outlets
Outlet screens should be cleaned daily. Gutters, wet deck outlets and skimmer boxes should be inspected weekly.
Similar to supply fittings (inlets), any obstruction will increase turnover times and may lead to poor water quality.
More particularly, blocked screens will starve the filter plant and pumps of water.
Cleaning filters:
backwashing
The filter should be backwashed on a regular basis or when indicated by loss of head gauges (if fitted) or a reduction
in the rate of flow measured by a flow meter. Waiting for an observable flow reduction will be too late. Pool filters
should be backwashed weekly regardless of head loss because the entrapped oxidised body fats and sun screens are
not detained but only restricted from travelling through the filter bed. They may build up with little evidence of head
loss but will ultimately penetrate the filter bed. Preferably, backwashing should continue until the water runs clear (or
only slightly cloudy). In a closed system (where the backwash effluent is not visible) a reduction in the head loss after
each backwash should indicate adequate cleaning of the filter(s). If the pressure level is increasing after each
backwash, a longer backwash time may be required. Head loss should always reduce after backwashing. A filter
which does not show reduction should be investigated.
Cleaning filters:
sand inspection and
maintenance
Inspect condition of filter yearly. If the sand is unclean (indicated by the presence of mud, grease or alum balls) it is
usually recommended to replace the dirty sand layer with clean sand. Sand may need to be visually inspected every 5
years depending on filter performance.
Cleaning filters:
ultrafine filters (UFF)
UFF media should be replaced when backwashing is undertaken. The media should be re-generated weekly. If the
pool is implicated in a Cryptosporidium outbreak the filter should be backwashed immediately.
In line filters or
strainers
The main hair and lint strainer should be checked daily and cleaned when required.
Pool suctions
All pool suctions should be checked every three months.
Suction cleaning
The frequency of suction cleaning to remove large contaminants depends upon the bather loads and usage
conditions of the pool. A plan of management should be developed accordingly. Under normal operating conditions,
suction cleaning may be required two or three times a week or once per week when the pool is not heavily loaded.
Large items such as rubber bands, hair clips and leaves should be removed with a net. It is recommended that larger
pools use an automatic pool cleaner each night.
Automatic control
probes
The pH and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) probes need to be calibrated and serviced to remove any scale that
has developed. They should be inspected, cleaned and calibrated at minimum six monthly intervals. Electrical
inspection should be conducted yearly by a licensed electrician.
Main circulation
pumps and motors
The main circulation pumps and pump motors should be serviced annually and checked regularly. All maintenance
should be in accordance with the manufacturers specification. Ideally multiple spare pumps should be available in
case of a failure.
Chlorine pump/
chlorinator
The chemical dosing system including any pumps (chlorinator) should be serviced annually and chlorine pumps with
an oil reservoir checked weekly. Upgrading to a larger capacity output system to cope with superchlorination needs
due to Cryptosporidium contamination should be considered.
Cleaning
Daily cleaning of any dirty water marks (biofilm) around the water line is recommended to prevent the harbourage of
any pathogenic micro-organisms. Regular superchlorination or oxidation is recommended to remove any biofilms
within pipes, fittings and filters.
Electrical
Electrical inspection should be performed annually by a licensed electrician experienced with swimming pools.
Soap should be provided in all showers and signs should
2012 and the NSW Code of Practice for the Control of
be erected to require showering before swimming.
Legionnaires Disease.
Cleaning and disinfection of shower floors should be
performed daily and scrubbing to remove soap and dirt
legionellacontrol/Pages/default.aspx
accumulation should be undertaken weekly. Most
Hand basins
importantly all tap ware, shower stalls and basins should
7.5.4
be cleaned and disinfected regularly to inhibit cross
Hand basins should be located adjacent to toilets with an
contamination.
adequate supply of soap and paper towels or air hand

drying machines. Communal towels should not be
Where a warm water system is installed, the local
provided. All tap ware and basins should be cleaned and
authority should be advised and consulted about
disinfected regularly to inhibit cross contamination.
Legionnaires disease control. The NSW Health website

should be visited to consult the Public Health Regulation
7.5.5
Toilets (water closets)
any information with regard to the storage and handling
Toilets should be located in close proximity to the
of swimming pool and spa pool chemicals. (See Section 5.4)
dressing room and adjacent to the showers. Toilets
Water temperature
should be easily accessed from the pool concourse to
7.5.9
encourage regular toileting. Toilet numbers should be in
Where spa pools are heated, the temperature must never
accordance with the Building Code of Australia.
exceed 38C. Signs should be displayed restricting

bathing to 20 minutes in high temperature pools warning
of the dangers of heat stress.
Children in particular, as well as adults, should be

encouraged to use a toilet prior to swimming. Toilets
should be provided with an adequate supply of toilet
Overheating of the body can cause heat illness. The body
paper and maintained clean at all times. Lidded sanitary
has no mechanism to warn of overheating. In saunas and
disposal bins for the disposal of sanitary napkins and
high temperature pools such as spas dehydration, heat
tampons should be provided in the womens bathrooms.
exhaustion and fainting may occur. On entering a heated
The toilet should not be used to dispose of sanitary
pool or sauna, the skin blood vessels dilate to help lose
products or hand towels.
heat and keep the body cool. The heart pumps faster and
heart rate increases. If there is insufficient blood to the
All tap ware, pans and basins regularly cleaned and
brain, there is a lack of oxygen and dizziness and fainting
disinfected to minimise cross contamination.
may result. Deaths have resulted when alcohol has been
7.5.6
Baby nappy change / parent facilities
consumed and the body subjected to heat stress.
Babies nappies should not be changed adjacent to the
Heat exhaustion is caused by a loss of water and
pool. Comfortable baby nappy change facilities should be
electrolytes. Any sustained muscular exertion can cause
provided in close proximity to the toddlers pool. Babies
loss of water and electrolytes. It is relieved by rest, fluid
wearing nappies should be prohibited from bathing as
and electrolyte (salt) replacement. Children and those
the risk of faecal contamination is too great. Children
with medical conditions, especially heart conditions, are
who are not toilet trained should wear specially designed
particularly at risk and should seek medical advice before
bathing pants before pool entry. All tap ware, change
using spas or saunas.
tables, baths, and basins should be cleaned and

disinfected regularly to inhibit cross contamination.
7.5.7
Waste removal (garbage)
Adequate garbage bins should be provided particularly in

the spectator and lawn areas, and adjacent to the kiosk.
All receptacles used for the storage and removal of waste
should be cleaned and sanitised regularly to prevent
attracting vermin and rodents. Bin liners will assist in
Spa pool heat warning: Bathing for longer

than 20 minutes in hot pools and spas may
cause heat illness. Parents of children under
the age of 6 years, persons with medical
conditions and pregnant women should
seek medical advice before using a heated
spa pool.
maintaining bins clean. Bulk garbage should be stored in
7.5.10 Towel
and costume hire
a cool, bunded, secure area and should preferably be
Towel and costume hire is not recommended but where
located under cover. The storage area should be
provided separate storage facilities should be provided for
maintained in a clean condition and free from vermin.
clean and used costumes and towels. Used costumes and

towels should be laundered as soon as possible, using
commercial laundry facilities.
Yellow sharps disposal containers conforming to

Australian Standards should be located in all toilet areas.
7.5.8
Storage of hazardous
and dangerous chemicals
7.5.11 First
aid
First aid equipment and a sick bay should be provided

as appropriate. Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation signage
The NSW WorkCover Authority regulates the storage and
must be provided in accordance with the Royal Life
handling of dangerous goods through the Work Health
Saving Society, St Johns Ambulance Australia and local
and Safety Act 2011 and Work Health and Safety Regulation
authority requirements.
2011. WorkCover Authority should be consulted to obtain
7.5.12 Shade
The use of an outdoor swimming pool complex by patrons

exposes them to harmful UV radiation. Shade should be
provided at all outdoor public swimming pools to protect
the public. Guidelines for the provision of shade are
available from the Cancer Council at:
http://www.cancercouncil.com.au/reduce-risks/sunprotection/
7.5.13 Glass
All glass and glass products should be banned from

public swimming pools and spa pools. Clear broken glass
cannot be seen under water. Water samples should be
taken in plastic beakers or sampling containers.
7.5.14 Kiosk
Kiosks must comply with the Food Standards Code

administered by the NSW Food Authority and local
authorities:
http://www.foodauthority.nsw.gov.au/
CHAPTER 8
Cryptosporidium risk management
8.1
Overview
People with healthy immune systems usually have

symptoms for one to two weeks and then recover fully.
The purpose of this chapter is to provide best practice
After symptoms subside, they may still continue to pass
guidance on prevention and control measures to reduce
Cryptosporidium oocysts in their faeces for several days
public health risk associated with Cryptosporidium
and therefore may still spread the disease to others.
contamination of swimming and spa pools. This chapter

is relevant for similar disinfectant resistant micro-organisms,
Those with a weakened immune system, may have
such as Giardia. For general information on microbiology
cryptosporidiosis for a longer period of time. In some
see Chapters 2 and 3.
cases the illness can be serious or even life threatening.
8.2
People with compromised immune systems should discuss
Epidemiology of
cryptosporidiosis
with their doctor their risk of getting cryptosporidiosis,

including swimming at public pools and spas, and their
need to take precautionary measures. Examples of people
Cryptosporidium parvum is the parasite responsible for
with weakened immunity include people with HIV, cancer
cryptosporidiosis, a diarrhoeal illness in humans, which
and transplant patients on immunosuppressive drugs and
can also occur in a variety of animals such as cattle and
people with inherited diseases affecting the immune system.
sheep. In a person with the infection, the parasite invades

and multiplies in the gastro-intestinal tract, causing illness
A review of the outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis associated
and producing oocysts, the infective form of the parasite.
with swimming pools shows that most occur in pools
Oocysts are excreted in faeces into the environment
following faecal accidents by infants who are not toilet
where they can survive for a many months.
trained. The majority of other illnesses transmitted in

swimming pools and spa pools are associated with poor
Cryptosporidiosis transmission is by the faecal-oral route,
disinfection.
including person-to-person, animal-to-person, waterborne

and foodborne transmission. Animal droppings and
The health risk of bathing in a pool contaminated with
human faeces containing oocysts may easily contaminate
Cryptosporidium is directly related to the organisms
hands. Good personal hygiene practices are important.
characteristics, transmission and the epidemiology of the
Oocysts are also deposited from animals in soil, water
disease. Infective oocysts are resistant to standard levels
and food.
of chemicals used in pool disinfection and are unlikely to

be efficiently removed by a pool filtration system because
The first symptoms of cryptosporidiosis may appear
of their small size and the lengthy time taken during the
1 to 12 days after a person ingests the infective oocysts.
process of consecutive dilution (see Section 6.3).
Symptoms of the disease usually include profuse watery

diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, fever, nausea and vomiting.
These symptoms may lead to weight loss and dehydration.
8.3
Control measures
and strategies
Some people with the infection may not have symptoms,

yet excrete oocysts in their faeces. There is no specific
To reduce the risk of Cryptosporidium entering a
treatment for cryptosporidiosis.
pool, it is recommended that pool operators prepare

a risk management plan with strategies to prevent the
introduction of Cryptosporidium into pools and implement
control measures to inactivate Cryptosporidium.
Risk assessment should address the following risk
All patrons should be encouraged to:
management areas:
n
Swimmer hygiene practices
Education
Use the toilet before entering the pool
Shower and wash thoroughly all over with soap

before entering the pool
Operational control and maintenance
Sampling.
Avoid swallowing pool water as it may contain

pathogenic micro-organisms
This is expanded in the following sections.
8.4
Basic hygiene facilities
Swimmer hygiene practices
Soap dispensers should be installed next to the

showers and hand basins.
The single most effective method to prevent the
Hand-dryers or disposable hand towel dispensers
transmission of Cryptosporidium in swimming pools is to

stop oocysts from entering the pools in the first instance.
should also be installed and maintained.

n
Nappy changing facilities and bins for soiled

nappies should be provided in a room adjacent to
This is done by improving swimmer personal hygiene
and accessible from the toddlers pool.
practices. There are two priority areas:

n
n
Personal hygiene
Awareness of infants who are not toilet trained
8.4.1
Personal hygiene
Hand washing posters.
8.4.2
Awareness of infants
who are not toilet trained
To assist with the control of Cryptosporidium:
People, particularly children, who have had diarrhoea

within the previous two weeks, should not enter a pool.
possible)
sensible policy of offering catch-up lessons when children

have had vomiting, diarrhoea or conjunctivitis in the
n
n
Infants who are not toilet trained should wear tight

fitting waterproof pants or swimming nappies at
or conjunctivitis in the previous 7 days. Parents with healthy
all times
children are pleased that such a protective measure has

been adopted. An example of such a form follows:
Appropriate bathing attire should be worn at all times

otherwise swimming should be prohibited
previous 7 days. Parents are asked to sign a declaration

that their child has not been sick with vomiting, diarrhoea
Infants who are not toilet trained should have their

water activities restricted to the toddlers pool (where
Many childrens learn-to-swim centres have adopted the
Swimming nappies should be changed in change

rooms and not at the poolside
To enable us to have the highest level of sanitisation in our pool, all parents / guardians must sign this declaration
before your childs lesson.
HAS YOUR CHILD BEEN SICK WITHIN THE LAST 7 CONSECUTIVE DAYS WITH VOMITING, DIARRHOEA OR
CONJUNCTIVITIS? If yes, do not have a lesson today and we will give you a catch-up lesson when your child has not
been sick for 7 consecutive days.
Date
Child name
Parent / guardian name
Yes No
Signature
Hands should be thoroughly washed with soap after
Education for members of thepublic: The 2007 Clean
changing swimming nappies
Pools for Healthy Swimming campaign allowed
Soiled nappies should be disposed of in bins provided
production of the following brochures and posters.
Toddlers should be encouraged to use the toilet

n
frequently
8.5
The Clean Pools for Healthy Swimming brochure.

Available at:
Education
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/pubs/2007/Clean_
Pools.html
Education of both the public and pool staff is essential in
The Steps to Healthy Swimming poster. Available at:
minimising the transmission of Cryptosporidiosis and
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/pubs/2007/Healthy_
fulfils part of the pool managements duty of care to its
Swimming.html
patrons. Because there is growing community awareness

Education for pool operators
of Cryptosporidium, it is important to reinforce

educational messages about personal hygiene.
Cryptosporidium contamination response plan.
NSW Health has developed educational resources to
Available at: Faecal accident response plan (loose
assist pool operators in preventing Cryptosporidium
stool in a pool) Available at:
contamination of swimming pools. The following
materials have been developed and are available from
publicpools/Documents/cryptosporidium-notificationresponse-plan.pdf
Public Health Units, Councils and on the NSW Health

n
website at:
Faecal accident response plan (solid stool) Available at:
Pages/default.aspx
publicpools/Documents/faecal-incident-loose-stoolresponse-plan.pdf
Clean Pools for Healthy Swimming brochure
For more information please contact your doctor or

local public health unit.
ide
gu
to
Steps to Healthy Swimming poster
step
Sydney Southwest PHU
Sydney West PHU

Parramatta ofce 9840 3603
Penrith ofce 4734 2022
healthy
SWIMMING
Public Health Units (PHU) in NSW

Camperdown ofce 9515 9420
Liverpool ofce 9828 5944
s to
South Eastern Sydney/Illawarra PHU

Randwick ofce 9382 8333
Wollongong ofce 4221 6700
Northern Sydney/Central Coast PHU

Gosford ofce 4349 4845
Hornsby ofce 9477 9400
Greater Southern PHU

Albury ofce 6021 4799
Goulburn ofce 4824 1842
Wagga Wagga ofce 6923 5755
Greater Western PHU

Bathurst ofce 6339 5601
Broken Hill ofce: (08) 8080 1499
Dubbo ofce 6841 5569
Hunter/New England PHU

Newcastle ofce 4924 6477
Tamworth ofce 6767 8630
North Coast PHU

Lismore ofce 6620 7500
Port Macquarie ofce 6588 2750
Website:
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/public-health/ehb/
general/pools/publicpools.html
DID YOU KNOW?

Infants who are not toilet-trained are most likely to spread germs in the pool.
TO AVOID THIS HAPPENING
1. Make sure they use the toilet before entering the pool and wear
tight-fitting waterproof pants or swimming nappies at all times.
2. Change nappies regularly - not beside the pool but in the change rooms.
3. After changing the nappy, throw out the waste and wash your hands
thoroughly with soap.
Faecal accident response plan (loose stool). Available at:
8.6
Operational control
and management
publicpools/Documents/faecal-incident-loose-stooln
response-plan.pdf
Additional management strategies and policies should be
Accident response plan (vomit in pools) Available at:
developed to suit individual pools and be consistent with
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/public
this Advisory Dociment. The following could specifically
pools/Documents/vomit-incident-response-plan.pdf
be considered:
Hard surface accident response plan (concourse,

bathroom floors and pool surfaces) Available at:
maintained to provide maximum filtration efficiency
and run 24 hours a day
publicpools/Documents/hard-surface-incidentresponse-plan.pdf
Circulation and filtration systems should be
Pool water disinfectant levels should be maintained in

anticipation of bather numbers such that disinfectant
The following educational strategies are also
concentrations always remain above the minimum
recommended as part of pool management:
recommended levels specified in Schedule 1 of the

Public Health Regulation 2012
Ensure all pool staff are fully trained in pool/spa
operational procedures
n
important for the maintenance of good water quality
Ensure that all pool staff are empowered to act
and the prevention of biofilms in the circulation system
immediately on incidents and behaviour which may
All pools should be regularly cleaned
cause contamination (e.g. infants with unsuitable
NSW Health Response Plans for responding to

potentially infectious accidents and notifications of
swim wear, or patrons who may present a risk such as
cryptosporidiosis should be followed
those who are incontinent or indicate they have had a

diarrhoeal illness)
n
Regular backwashing and superchlorination is
Ensure patrons are aware that management will

reserve the right to prevent patrons from swimming if
Pool water quality should be regularly tested on site in

accordance with Chapter 5
Samples for bacteriological analysis should be
there is reason to believe that they may cause a risk to
regularly submitted to a National Association of
other swimmers. Patrons need to be assured that
Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited laboratory
management is keen to protect their health and that
according to Chapter 3.
of their children
n
Provide public information about the risks of spreading

cryptosporidiosis. Methods for providing information
could include information on noticeboards and
distribution of the NSW Health Clean Pools for
Healthy Swimming brochures to parents with swim
school enrolments
Display the NSW Health Steps to Healthy Swimming

poster.
New pools
Consideration should be given to designing
amenities so that all patrons have no choice
but to walk through toilet and shower areas
before gaining access to the pool. To encourage
showering, warm showers with soap should
be provided with temperature control devices
to prevent scalding.
NOTE
Bacteriological testing does not include testing for
Cryptosporidium; however, the presence of E. coli is an
indicator of possible faecal contamination. Note that
Cryptosporidium has been detected in the absence of
bacterial indicators (see section 8.6.2)
8.6.1 Barriers
used in pool operations
Barriers are mechanisms used to prevent transmission of

any disease from its source to a susceptible host. Barriers
can include source control, cleaning and disinfection and
pool closure. Two main barriers used in normal operating
practices to minimise the transmission of micro-organisms
to swimmers are:
n
Filtration
Disinfection
Chlorine dioxide may also be used to inactivate
(i) Filters
Cryptosporidium oocysts using a Ct value of 70 to
Ultrafine filtration (UFF) is capable of removing
inactivate 99.99% of oocysts (4 Log reduction).
Cryptosporidium oocysts. UFF however, cannot be relied
The circulation and filtration system must be
upon as a control measure since it takes time to filter all
operated during this time.
pool water and some pool water will not be filtered because
An oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) value of
of circulation problems, dead spots and the principle of
865 mV for 30 minutes or 800 mV for 24 hours
successive dilution (see Section 6.3). Where pools are
will also achieve a 4 Log (99.99%) reduction of
being upgraded, separate circulation and treatment systems
Cryptosporidium oocysts.
for hydrotherapy pools and toddler pools using UFF is

n
essential. Upgrading of any hydraulic system to ensure
Superchlorination: Regular superchlorination should

be practised as a maintenance procedure as it:
good circulation of pool water should be considered.
allows the pool to recover oxidation and disinfection
Separate circulation systems

Separate circulation systems should be
installed for toddler pools, hydrotherapy
pools and other high-risk pools. Where
separate circulation systems are installed
bulk water should not be fed from one
system to the other through balance tanks
to avoid cross contamination.
while there is no contamination entering the pool

aids filtration, by clarifying and polishing of the
pool water
destroys biofilms which may harbour pathogenic
micro-organisms
inactivates Cryptosporidium oocysts.
Regular superchlorination should be performed when
swimmers are not present (usually overnight) for an eight-
(ii) Disinfection
hour period. Ideally superchlorination should be linked to
Routine disinfection procedures, on their own, are not
the frequency of backwashing. Superchlorination usually
sufficient to quickly destroy Cryptosporidium oocysts
requires approximately 6-8 mg/L (maximum 10 mg/L) of
unless a pool is shock dosed with chlorine. While chlorine
chlorine or ten times the combined chlorine concentration.
and bromine at the recommended levels will eventually
A higher shock dose may be required for pools heavily
kill the oocysts over many days or even weeks, assuming
polluted with chloramines and to remove biofilms.
no further contamination, the time lag is insufficient to

8.6.2
adequately protect swimmers from infection.
Water sampling for Cryptosporidium
Water sampling for Cryptosporidium is not recommended

n
Ct shock dosing to inactivate Cryptosporidium
unless a joint decision is made between the pool operator
oocysts: Following notification of two or more cases
and NSW Health. Test methodologies are based on a 100
of cryptosporidiosis that are linked in time to a public
litre water sample and are very expensive. Testing only
swimming pool, the pool should be Ct shock dosed to
represents the status of the water at the time of sampling.
inactivate the Cryptosporidium oocysts. To achieve
Negative results may give a false sense of security and
inactivation a pool should be shock dosed with a high
there is a long time delay before results are received.
concentration of chlorine over a long period of time
Also, the primary tests do not determine whether any
to achieve a Ct (concentration x time) value of 15300.
oocysts detected are viable and able to cause infection.
(see section 4.3 for an explanation of Ct values).

A Ct value of 15300 achieves a 4 Log (99.99%)
reduction of oocysts. Examples are by dosing a pool
with 10 mg/L of free available chlorine for 26 hours,
20 mg/L of free available chlorine for 13 hours, or
30 mg/L for 8 hours (or other corresponding
dose). A dose needs to be selected that will not
adversely affect pool finishes, fittings and
equipment while ensuring a suitably swift
inactivation rate.
CHAPTER 9
Pool designer and operator competencies
9.1
Overview
9.4
Formal operator qualifications
Modern swimming pools and their associated equipment
Formal swimming pool operator qualifications are
are a complex and costly infrastructure investment. It is
attained through the completion of units / modules of
essential therefore that swimming pools be designed,
study delivered by Registered Training Organisations
commissioned, operated and maintained effectively and
(RTOs) such as the NSW Department of Technical and
efficiently to ensure a long serviceable life.
Further Education (TAFE). RTOs and the units / modules

of study must be recognised (accredited) by the Australian
Pool operators should be competent in all areas of water
Skills Quality Authority. There are private RTOs that also
treatment and quality. They should also be competent
offer accredited training courses. Operators should
with a range of matters like occupational health and
continually seek to develop their professionalism through
safety, business operations, financial management,
attendance at appropriate conferences and short courses.
customer relations, and staff and recruitment procedures.

For this reason all public swimming pool operators should
9.5
Pool safety qualifications
undertake a course which includes all managerial and

operational matters.
9.2
Pool designers
Pool safety courses are offered by The Royal Life Saving

Society Australia (http://www.royallifesaving.com.au).
It is also important to have a current Pool Lifeguard
Certificate and a current approved First Aid Certificate.
Swimming pool water treatment plants should be
These requirements are mandatory for municipal pools
designed by experienced engineers / architects who are
(See Practice Note 15).
suitably qualified in the field of water treatment

engineering, hydraulics or similar disciplines. Pool structures
should be designed by suitably qualified and experienced
structural engineers.
9.3
Operator competencies
Appendix 3 of Practice Note 15 (Water safety), issued by

the Division of Local Government:
http://www.dlg.nsw.gov.au/dlg/dlghome/documents/
PracticeNotes/Water_Safety_Oct_2005%20.pdf
lists the appropriate competencies for aquatic operations
at the management level, the operations level and the
supervisor level. Appendix 2 of the same document, for
pre-defined water facility categories, lists areas of expertise,
qualifications and professional development of staff.
CHAPTER 10
Health risk management planning
10.2.1 Risk
10.1 Overview
identification
Risk identification involves isolating and naming each type

Public pool managers depend on providing safe and
of hazard. It is appropriate to identify risk in the categories
comfortable facilities to their customers. Risk management
of source, transmission pathway and susceptible host.
is a tool which allows pool managers to minimise and
Each category may be divided into subcategories.
even eliminate harmful situations at swimming facilities.
A framework therefore starts to develop through the
This chapter develops a risk management framework
creation of the first column (Table 10.1).
which can be applied to public swimming pool

management.
Table 10.1: Risk identification column of the risk management framework
10.2 Public
Identified risk
health risk
1.

Risk is the likelihood of the occurrence of some adverse

event, or in the case of public health, the risk of either
disease transmission or the occurrence of some other
Contamination source
Identified risk
Identified risk
Identified risk
Identified risk
2. Transmission pathway
Identified risk
Identified risk
health related event. For the purposes of public health

risk analysis, disease transmission occurs when there is a
3. Susceptible host
Identified risk
Identified risk
source of disease or contamination, a transmission

pathway or exposure route exists and there is a
susceptible host (see Chapter 2, Section 2.3).
Contamination source + Transmission pathway +
10.2.2 Risk
assessment / characterisation
Susceptible host = Disease
Once a hazard has been identified, it is assessed as low,

medium or high risk in two main ways:
For a public health risk to occur all three factors must be

n
present. If just one of the factors is absent then disease
The likelihood or chance of the adverse public health

event occurring;
transmission will not occur. Normally, risk management

n
attempts to remove the transmission pathway through
The magnitude of the adverse health event and the

impact of its consequences.
disinfection of pool water. For example, because of

resistance to disinfection, Cryptosporidium needs to be
controlled at the source. The only way to ensure susceptible
A combination of the likelihood and impact can be used to
hosts are protected is to exclude them from swimming in
determine priorities by using the risk priority table (Table
a public pool. This approach may be the only option for
10.2). From left to right in the risk priority table headed
people who are highly susceptible to cryptosporidiosis.
Likelihood, the likelihood of an outbreak is assigned a value

of high, medium or low. On the right column headed
Table 10.2: Risk priority table

Likelihood
PRIORITY
Low
Medium
High
Impact
MEDIUM
HIGH
HIGH
High
LOW
MEDIUM
HIGH
Medium
LOW
LOW
MEDIUM
Low
Increasing priority
Impact, the impact of an outbreak is assigned a value of
The entries made in this table are simplified, incomplete
high, medium or low. The two values are then used to
and need to be further developed by pool management
select a corresponding priority box and its value of high,
according to the specific attributes and administration of
medium or low priority.
each public swimming pool or spa pool premises.
For example, the likelihood of an outbreak of
10.2.4 Implementation
cryptosporidiosis (the disease caused by Cryptosporidium
A fourth column recording date of implementation (Date
parvum) may be medium because learn-to-swim classes
implemented) may be added to audit progress in the
for toddlers who are not toilet trained are held twice a
implementation of risk management strategies. Therefore
week. The impact could be high as it could be debilitating
the column headings become:
for those who become ill, and devastating for the pool
business for a few weeks when the community learns of
the outbreak attributable to the pool. Therefore this risk
can be assessed as:
n
Likelihood Medium
Impact High
Priority High
Table 10.5: Date implemented column of the risk management framework

Identified risk
10.3
Risk
assessment
Management
strategies
Date
implemented
Dynamics of risk analysis
A second column can then be built into the framework

based on the risk priority, known as risk assessment
The risk analysis procedure is both externally and
(Table 10.3).
internally dynamic. The procedure is externally dynamic

because risks and their characteristics will change over
Table 10.3: Risk assessment column of the risk
time and according to external forces and characteristics.
management framework
A structured periodic review should be an essential
Identified risk
Risk assessment
1. Contamination source
The risk analysis procedure is also internally dynamic as
1.1 People
Identified risk
Likelihood
Impact
Priority =
1.2 External contamination
Identified risk
component of the risk analysis.
the risk management strategies on one section may

affect the strategies in another section. For example, the
strategies in 1.1 iii) Bather load may be in conflict or
enhance 2 iii) Disinfection.
Likelihood
Impact
Priority =
Some tips for maintaining current health risk analysis

procedures:
Identified risks
3. Susceptible host
When the first risk analysis framework is complete

and independently confirmed, it should be signed by
Identified risks
all pool management staff and accepted by the

10.2.3
Risk management plan
Risk management is the process of developing strategies,
controlling organisation.
n
The risk analysis should be reviewed annually.
The risk analysis should be reviewed before corporate
policies and procedures to lessen either the likelihood of
business planning and budgeting as the risk analysis
the risk, the impact of the risk or both. Risk management
may require planning and funding for particular risk
adds the third column to the framework.
management strategies.
A rudimentary risk assessment / management framework

has been commenced and is presented in a table format
(Table 10.4) building on the two columns already developed.
Table 10.4: Management plan framework

Identified risk
Risk assessment
Management strategies
i) General bather faecal pathogen load.

Faecal pathogen load carried by bathers is
always present
Likelihood Medium
Impact Medium
Priority = Medium
n Develop techniques to decrease pathogen load into the premises

n Encourage all bathers to enter the pool though the change
ii) Bather pathogen load from skin

infections. Infected skin may transmit
micro-organisms to the pool, furnishings
and directly to other bathers
Likelihood Low
Impact Medium
Priority = Low
n Ensure all patrons pass through turnstiles and sufficient staff are
iii) Bather load. Bather load may

overwhelm circulation and disinfection
capabilities
Likelihood High in summer

Impact High
Priority = High
n Determine maximum instantaneous bather load as a function
iv) Bather behaviour. Some behaviour such

as spitting, spouting and nose blowing
increases the pathogen load in the pool
Likelihood High
Impact Medium
n Discourage spitting, spouting and nose blowing or at least
v) Incontinent babies. Faecally incontinent

babies are most likely to transmit disease
Likelihood
Impact
Priority =
n Provide sufficient, conveniently located and well equipped baby
1. Contamination source
1.1 Patrons
room and ablutions facilities
n Ensure ablutions facilities are private, convenient, comfortable and
equipped with warm water and soap to encourage showering
available so that patrons can be scanned for obvious skin

infections and lesions
n Patrons with skin infections should be requested to refrain from
swimming and to cover infections
n Provide equipment which may be used to cover skin infections
of pool depth and circulation rate
n Develop protocols to ensure that bather load is not exceeded

n Investigate ability to reduce turnover time during high bather loads
request patrons to use the scum gutter
change rooms
n Prohibit the use of nappies and encourage the use of alternative
catch all bathers
n Prohibit pool side nappy changing

n Provide suitable signage
vi) Crowd control. Unaware patrons may

breach policy and procedures
Likelihood
Impact
Priority =
n Employ sufficient staff to encourage compliance
vii) Bather ignorance. May lead to

unhygienic practices
Likelihood
Impact
Priority =
n Develop educational strategies

n Use signs to encourage the most important hygienic practices
i) Windblown debris
LIP
ii) Bird contamination
LIP
iii) Litter
LIP
iv) Chemical control
LIP
e.g. Patrons are requested to shower before entering the pool
1.2 External contamination
i) Filtration
LIP
ii) Circulation
LIP
iii) Disinfection
LIP
iv) Raw water
LIP
v) Water temperature
LIP
vi) Emerging chlorine resistant diseases
LIP
vii) New disinfection techniques
LIP
viii) Faecal incidents
LIP
ix) Other incidents blood spill
LIP
x) Pool surrounds apron, grassed areas
LIP
xi) Stale water
LIP
i) Age profile
LIP
ii) Shock loads
LIP
iii) Immune deficiencies
LIP
iv) Behaviour
LIP
v) Comfort vs disinfection
(mucous membrane attack)
LIP
vi) Personal equipment storage (towels)
LIP
3. Susceptible host
10.4 Other
plans
There are other plans, schedules and monitoring which

could be incorporated into the health risk management
framework. The other plans may include:
n
Sanitation and cleaning schedules
Maintenance schedules
Pool sampling and monitoring
Work Health and Safety plans.
10.5 Descriptive
risk assessment and

management of pools and spas
Appendix E provides an example of a descriptive risk

assessment and management of pools and spas.
CHAPTER 11
Legislation
11.1 Overview
Under the Act, a swimming pool includes any structure

that is used or intended to be used for human bathing,
Public swimming pools and spa pools are controlled and
swimming or diving, and includes a water slide or other
regulated by the Public Health Act 2010 and the Public
recreational aquatic structure.
Health Regulation 2012. The legislation may be

downloaded from the NSW Health website at:
Section 35 of the Act, which commences on 1March
2013, requires occupiers of public swimming pools and
Pages/default.aspx
spa pools to notify their local council of the existence of

the pool and comply with the prescribed operating
This chapter provides an overview of the legislation.
requirements, which are set out in schedule 1 of the

Public Health Regulation (note that the prescribed operating
11.2 The
Public Health
Act 2010 (the Act)
requirements do not apply to natural swimming pools.

Section 36 of the Act requires the occupier of the public
The Act commenced on 1 September 2012. Some provisions
pool premises to disinfect the pool properly and keep the
do not commence until 1 March 2013. Control of public
pool surrounds and amenities in a clean and hygienic
swimming pools and spa pools is contained in Part 3,
condition. Compliance with Schedule 1 of the Regulation
Division 3, and sections 34 to 37.
is a defence to prosecution under this section.
Under the Act, a public swimming pool or spa pool is
Section 37 requires the conspicuous display of any
defined as means a swimming pool or spa pool to which
prohibition order which may be served on the occupier of
the public is admitted, whether free of charge, on
the premises.
payment of a fee or otherwise, including:
11.3 The
Public Health
Regulation 2012
(a) a pool to which the public is admitted as an

entitlement of membership of a club, or
Section 35 of the Public Health Act requires occupiers of
(b) a pool provided at a workplace for the use of
public swimming pools and spa pools to comply with the
employees, or
(c) a pool provided at a hotel, motel or guest house or at
holiday units, or similar facility, for the use of guests,
prescribed operating requirements, which are set out in

schedule 1 of the Public Health Regulation. Occupiers of
natural swimming pools are exempt from this requirement.
or
It is an offence not to comply with a prescribed operating
(d) a pool provided at a school or hospital,
requirement with a maximum penalty of 100 penalty units

but not including a pool situated at private residential
for an individual or 500 penalty units for a corporation
premises.
for failure to comply.
The Act defines spa pool as including any structure (other
The prescribed operating requirements sets out in
than a swimming pool) that:
schedule 1 of the Regulation is similar to the
(a) holds more than 680 litres of water, and
Schedule 1 former NSW Health Guidelines for the
(b) is used or intended to be used for human bathing, and
Disinfection of Swimming Pools and Spa Pools known as
(c) has facilities for injecting jets of water or air into the
the blue book.
water.
If an occupier fails to comply with the prescribed
11.5 Enforcement
of the Act
and Regulation
operating requirements, an authorised officer can issue

an improvement notice directing compliance with the
prescribed operating requirement. If a prescribed operating
Under the Public Health Act 2010 and Public Health
requirement has not complied with a prescribed
Regulation 2012 there is a larger range of enforcement
operating requirement, a prohibition order may also be
options. Of course the preferred option is the health
issued if it is necessary to prevent or mitigate a serious
education approach where swimming pool operators act
risk to public health.
in cooperation with Authorised Officers and consultants

to produce pool water with absence of health risk.
In addition, and the Regulation allows the Director-General

(or delegate), by order in writing, to direct the occupier of
However, where this does not occur there are a number
the pool premises to close the pool if satisfied on
of enforcement measures which range through:
reasonable grounds that the pool is a risk to public health.

The order must state the reasons for closure and the
Warning letters
occupier must comply with the order while it is in force
On-the spot-fines (PINS)
and display the order at any entrance to the pool. The
Improvement Notices
order can only be revoked in writing if the pool is no
Prohibition Orders, and
longer a risk to public health. The Director-General also
Prosecution
has powers to direct an occupier of the pool to disinfect

the pool or take other action if it is considered that the
The Public Health Act 2010 and Public Health Regulation
pool is a risk to public health.
2012 should be consulted directly to determine these

measures, the penalties and right of appeal.
Occupiers should be aware that from 1 March 2013

they will be required to notify the local council of the
existence of the pool in the approved form and pay the
prescribed fee.
From 1 March 2013, local councils will be required to
maintain a register of the details of swimming pools and
spa pools notified in its area.
11.4 Schedule
1 of the Regulation
Schedule 1 contains the necessary chemical parameters

which must be followed to prevent risk to public health in
a public pool. Additionally Schedule 1 specifies the
frequency of testing and the keeping of records of
testing. The contents of Schedule 1 are evidence based
and the chemical parameters are based on the contents
of this advisory document which have in turn been
derived over many years. The chemical parameters
conform with international requirements and
recommendations of the World Health Organisation
(WHO Geneva), Centres for Disease Control (CDC
Atlanta, Georgia, USA), and the Pool Water Treatment
Advisory Group (PWTAG England).
Compliance with the requirements set out in schedule 1
is also a defence for prosecution under section 36 of
the Act.
APPENDIX A
Breakpoint chlorination (see section 4.4.1)
1.
Combined chlorine
and chloramines
(HOCl + NH2Cl H2O + NHCl2)

dichloramine is formed. Dichloramine is less stable, is
Chloramines are probably the largest component of
more volatile being released on aeration by bathers, is
combined chlorine. Combined chlorine lowers disinfection
almost unaffected by sunlight, and is odorous and
rates, causes severe eye stinging and strong odours.
offensive.
Breakpoint chlorination is one technique to control

If the ratio of the weight of chlorine to ammonia is
combined chlorine, particularly inorganic chloramines.
greater than 15:1 and pH is less than 7.4

Combined chlorine, commonly known as chloramines,
(HOCl + NHCl2 H2O + NCl3)
forms when the hypochlorous acid component of free

chlorine reacts with certain ammonia and organic
nitrogen compounds. Ammonia and organic nitrogen
trichloramine is formed. Trichloramine is unstable, breaks
compounds are introduced into a swimming pool or spa
down in sunlight, has a nauseous and offensive odour
by components such as perspiration, urine, dust, dirt,
and is very volatile being readily given off on aeration. It
leaves, cosmetics and incoming water supply. Perspiration
is particularly associated with severe eye stinging.
and urine contain urea, some of which decomposes to
Trichloramine is less a problem in outdoor pools but can
form ammonia (NH3). The amount of urine being excreted
be a major problem in poorly ventilated, indoor pools
into a pool should be reduced as much as possible, as it is
where it is released by bather agitation of the pool.
the most significant source of ammonia. High nitrogen

levels, particularly in outdoor pools, are a precursor to
However, in an excess of free chlorine and a pH of 7.5 or
unsightly and slippery algal growth and can support the
higher and if the ratio of the weight of chlorine to
growth of other micro-organisms.
ammonia is between 10:1 to 12:1, dichloramine is more

likely to decompose to nitrogen gas (N2) or nitrous oxide
The basic chemistry of chlorine and chloramines is
gas (NO) or nitrate (NO3) and not produce trichloramine.
outlined in section 4.4.1. In summary, ammonia (NH3) can
These reactions can be competing depending on the pH
bond to a varying number of chlorines: monochloramine
and the excess of free chlorine available. An ideal pH
has one chlorine atom; dichloramine has two chlorine
based on chloramine destruction chemistry is 7.5.
atoms; and trichloramine has three chlorine atoms. Each

chloramine behaves slightly differently.
When water supplies are chlorinated, ammonia is often

added to form monochloramine to prolong disinfection
If the ratio of the weight of chlorine to ammonia is less
throughout the reticulated water mains and reduce the
than 5:1 and the pH is greater than 7.5
growth of biofilms. This often increases the difficulty for

pool operators who have to reduce the monochloramine
(HOCl + NH3 H2O + NH2Cl)
in the water supply in the first instance before reaching

breakpoint chlorination. Ideally, there should not be
monochloramine is formed. Monochloramine is stable,
chloramines in a swimming pool, although some organic
unaffected by sunlight, not particularly odorous and is
chloramines are unavoidable.
not very volatile. It has a low disinfection capacity.

In best practice, an automatically controlled pool should
If the ratio of the weight of chlorine to ammonia is
never exceed 0.2 mg/L combined chlorine and the criteria
greater than 10:1 and pH decreases below 7.5
limit of 0.5 mg/L chloramines should be set. Operators of

older pools with non-compliant turnover rates will struggle
to achieve a limit of 0.5 mg/L combined chlorine and
2.
should set an absolute upper limit of 1.0 mg/L combined
Continual breakpoint
chlorination theory
chlorine. It may be necessary to install equipment such as

ultraviolet (UV) light treatment to control combined
The following graph demonstrates the theory of
chlorine in poorly performing indoor pools. A swimming
breakpoint chlorination. On the left vertical axis is the
pool consultant should be engaged for professional advice.
chlorine concentration in mg/L which is zero at the

bottom of the axis and increases with height. On the
A constant and strong chlorine odour indicates a poorly
right vertical axis is the ammonia-nitrogen (i.e. ammonia
operated pool. The smell is a result of di or trichloramine.
measured as nitrogen) concentration also in mg/L which
If it is trichloramine, then patrons will also experience
is zero at the bottom of the axis and increases with
severe eye stinging.
height. The bottom horizontal axis represents the ratio of
Combined chlorine can be reduced in the following ways:
on the left and increases to the right. The bottom horizontal
chlorine (Cl2) to ammonia (NH3) by weight which is zero

axis also represents time and increases from left to right.
n
A large proportion of combined chlorine comes from
There are three inter-related lines on the graph:
urine. Urine in a pool can be minimised by requiring

people to walk through a change room and toilet
represents the concentration of the sum of all forms
area before entering the main concourse and by
of ammonia-nitrogen in the pool.
adequate signage directing people to go to the toilet

before going to the pool area.
n
Continuous or shock breakpoint chlorination is

another technique to reduce chloramines.
N CONC: (sigma ammonia-nitrogen concentration)
Total Chlorine Applied: the constant dose of chlorine

being introduced into the pool.
Chloramines can be reduced by continuously dumping
Measured Chlorine Residual: the measured total

chlorine residual in the pool.
pool water and diluting with fresh water that is lower
in chloramines. However, water dumping is hard to
The breakpoint curve is a graphical representation of
justify in terms of water conservation practice. Where
chemical relationship that exists with constant addition of
mains water is dosed with monochloramine to
chlorine to swimming pool water containing a small
prolong disinfection in the water supply distribution
amount of ammonia-nitrogen. This graph represents a
system it will not dilute pool chloramines. Collecting
swimming pool where bathing has ceased and no further
and storing rainwater for dilution of total dissolved
ammonia-nitrogen is introduced into the pool. During an
solids is becoming more popular.
overnight period sodium hypochlorite is added at a
Ozone and UV light treatment is being increasingly
constant rate. This curve has three zones.
used to reduce chloramines, particularly organic
chloramines that are difficult to oxidise. Such
Zone 1: Staring from the left side of the graph; there is
treatment may require capital investment.
already a concentration of ammonia-nitrogen (N CONC)
Filtration enhancers are not necessarily helpful in
in the pool from bathers. Chlorine has been allowed to
removing chloramines, but they are helpful in
fall to zero and Total Applied Chlorine and Measured
reducing organic matter that could release nutrients
Chlorine Residual are both zero. Chlorine is then added at
and inorganic nitrogen into the pool water.
a constant rate. The principal reaction in Zone 1 is the
Oxidisers, such as hydrogen peroxide and potassium
reaction between chlorine and the ammonium ion. This
monopersulphate, are helpful in oxidising or burning
reaction results in a Measured Total Chlorine of only
up organic material and removing chloramines. Firstly,
monochloramine to the hump in the curve. The hump
oxidisers reduce the demand on free chlorine to
occurs, theoretically, at chlorine to ammonia-nitrogen
oxidise pollutants. Secondly, oxidisers allow free
weight ratio of 5:1. This ratio indicates the point where
chlorine to act more rapidly at a lower pH level and at
the reacting chlorine and ammonia-nitrogen molecules
a higher concentration. An occasional preventive
are present in solution in equal numbers.
shock dose of an oxidiser helps to lower chloramines
Monochloramine does not readily degrade.
and restore clarity and sparkle to the pool. The use of

some oxidisers, particularly sodium monopersulphate,
Zone 2: The breakpoint phenomenon occurs in this zone
will lead to falsely elevated total and combined
which is also known as the chloramine destruction zone.
chlorine measurements.
As the weight ratio exceeds 5:1, some of the
In reality, ammonia-nitrogen does not stay static but is
monochloramine starts reacting with further addition of
continually added while the pool is open to the public. To
chlorine to form dichloramine, which is about twice as
achieve breakpoint chlorination, chlorination must
germicidal as monochloramine. A pure dichloramine
continue after the pool has been closed to the
residual has a noticeable disagreeable taste and odour,
public to ensure oxidation of the additional
while monochloramine does not. Total Chlorine Applied is
chloramines every night.
still increasing and both the Concentration of ammonianitrogen and Measured Chlorine Residual decrease
The shape of the breakpoint curve is affected by contact
rapidly. This rapid decrease occurs because the
time, temperature, concentration of chlorine and
dichloramine is reacting immediately with additional
ammonia, and pH. Higher concentrations of the
hypochlorous acid in a series of destruction reactions to
chemicals increase the speed of the reactions.
form volatile compounds and other by-products such as
3.
nitrogen gas, nitrate and chloride. Therefore, ammonia
Shock breakpoint chlorination
and chlorine are consumed in the reactions and lost from

the pool. Thus, additional chlorine is required to destroy
Shock breakpoint chlorination involves oxidising
ammonia and chloramines.
combined chlorine with a slug or shock dose of chlorine

to generate sufficient free chlorine which is at least ten
times the concentration of the combined chlorine.
The breakpoint (Point A) is the point of the lowest

concentration of Measured Chlorine Residual where
nuisance chlorine residuals remain and where ammonia-
It is preferable to operate the pool at a pH between 7.5
nitrogen is not detected. The nuisance chlorine residuals
and 7.6 to reduce the likelihood of trichloramine formation.
are mainly organic chloramines which cannot be oxidised

any further by reacting with hypochlorous acid.
Zone 3 is to the right of the breakpoint (Point A) and is
Adding any less chlorine than calculated will not

achieve breakpoint.
Adding insufficient chlorine will not eliminate
combined chlorine and could worsen the situation.
where a free chlorine residual will appear. The total

residual consists of the nuisance residuals plus free
In indoor pools it is critical to have good ventilation
chlorine. If trichloramine is formed, it will appear in this
when reaching breakpoint. Some chloramines can
zone. In practice it has been found the most pleasant
evaporate and then re-dissolve in the water and if a
water for bathing will occur if more than 85% of the
pool blanket is used none of the volatile reaction
total chlorine is free chlorine.
by-products can evaporate.
ZONE
2
ZONE
3
Total
Chlorine
Applied
Chlorine Conc. (mg/L)
N CONC.
Measured
Chlorine
Residual
Hump
Breakpoint
(Point A)
Irreducible
Chlorine Residual
5
Cl2 to NH3N Ratio (WI)
Ammonia-N Conc. (mg/L)
ZONE
1
{
7.6
Example of shock breakpoint chlorination

At the start of the weekend, the Saturday morning testing of a 200000-litre indoor swimming pool revealed total
chlorine of 2.3 mg/L and a free chlorine concentration of 1.8 mg/L giving a barely acceptable combined chlorine
reading of 0.5 mg/L.
After a heavy weekend of bathing, testing on Sunday night revealed total chlorine of 2.3 mg/L and free chlorine of 0.5
mg/L giving an unacceptable combined chlorine concentration of 1.8 mg/L. The pH was 7.4. In order to prepare for a
swimming school class on Monday, it was decided to shock breakpoint chlorinate overnight to reduce the chloramines
to an acceptable level.
The general rule is to shock dose free chlorine to 10 times the chloramine concentration. In this case, 10 times the
chloramine concentration equates to 18.0 mg/L of free chlorine. In order to do this, the pool was closed to bathers.
A calculation was made to add 36 L of sodium hypochlorite (liquid chlorine) by broadcasting using a plastic (not metal
as metal may react adversely with the chlorine) watering bucket around the edges of the pool. The pool circulation
system (but not the dosing system) was run all night. Because, at a pH of 7.4, trichloramine may be formed, an aerator
was inserted into the pool to release the volatile chloramines and the windows and doors were all opened to maximum.
By the next morning, the chloramines were 0.2 mg/L although the free chlorine was elevated to 5.0 mg/L giving
oxidation capacity for the swimming class due that morning.
The ideal way to minimise the formation of trichloramine

is to ensure that free chlorine is more than 85% of total
chlorine at all times. In addition, some oxidiser such as
hydrogen peroxide can be added that leaves no residual
and boosts the performance of free chlorine without over
adding chlorine.
The benefits of shock breakpoint chlorination are that it:
n
Allows disinfection to rapidly catch up
Eliminates chloramines
Controls Cryptosporidium more effectively
Controls biofilms
Provides extra oxidation
Aids filtration
Aids clarification.
Performing shock breakpoint too frequently and at too

high of a free chlorine concentration could affect pool
materials and finishes and it is preferable to operate using
continuous breakpoint chlorination.
Time
testing
conducted
Temp
o
C
Total
chlorine
mg/L
DPD tablets
Nos.1+3 (T)
< Insert POR

range for this
pool>
Total-Free
(T) - (F)
Combined
chlorine
mg/L
Break point
0.0 mg/L at
the first test of
the day
Combined chlorine must not exceed 1.0 mg/L and

should not be more than half of free chlorine
ORP mV or
Free chlorine
mg/L
DPD tablets
No.1(F)
<Insert POR
range for this
pool>
pH
pH range
7.0-7.8
Calcium
hardness
Calcium
hardness
mg/L
Incidents / Corrective actions taken
____ + _____ + ____ + ____ - 12.1 = _______

(pH)
(TF)
(CF)
(AF)
(LSI)
Maintenance undertaken
Further action required or taken or other comments
Review by manager Data and corrective action to be reviewed by facility manager daily
Maintenance area
Daily Maintenance Log Detail what was undertaken and at what time of the day.
LSI = pH + TF + CF + AF - 12.1
where:
TF
=
Temperature
factor
CF = Calcium Hardness factor
AF = Alkalinity Factor
Name of
tester
Date _______________
Signature of
tester
Name of Manager
Calculated by (initial) _____________________________
Signature of manager
Time of
maintenance
Date
Signature
Cyanurate acid concentration (weekly measurement) _____________ Date ___________
Total
alkalinity
Total
alkalinity
range
80-200 mg/L
<Insert Name of Centre> <Insert Name of Pool>
Using the water balance chart on reverse, calculate the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI). The ideal LSI is 0.2 and the range is 0.5 to 0.5.
Water Balance
Daily
average
6 am
9 am
12pm
3 pm
6pm
9pm
Time
testing
due
Pool water testing
(see Chapter 5, section 5.10) This sheet should be modified to suit the type of pool
Appendix B - Sample Log Sheet
APPENDIX B
Sample log sheet
(See Chapter 5, section 5.10.) This sheet should be modified to suit the type of pool.
Water balance chart

Temperature (C)
Temperature Factor
Calcium (hardness)
Calcium hardness
factor
Total alkalinity
Alkalinity factor
0.0
0.3
0.7
0.1
25
1.0
25
1.4
0.2
50
1.3
50
1.7
12
0.3
75
1.5
75
1.9
16
0.4
100
1.6
100
2.0
19
0.5
150
1.8
150
2.2
24
0.6
200
1.9
200
2.3
29
0.7
300
2.1
300
2.5
34
0.8
400
2.2
400
2.6
40
0.9
800
2.5
800
2.9
53
1.0
1000
2.6
1000
3.0
Notes for modifying this log sheet for your pool:

n
This log sheet is available electronically from the Departments web site:
www.health.nsw.gov.au
Use a separate sheet for each pool for each day.
Print on different coloured paper for each pool.
Change the Health Prescribed Operating Requirements (POR) levels so they are appropriate for the type of pool.
This depends on if the pool is indoor or outdoor, the temperature and the type of disinfection used.
See the Public Health Regulation 2012, Schedule 1
If used for a bromine disinfected pool the breakpoint is really important and DPD1 measures bromine.
If used for an ozone pool, insert a space to record when a check is done and the results.
If an automatic controller is used, and the results are input, then there needs to be a place to enter a manual
reading to compare with the automatic reading.
APPENDIX C
Components to consider in recycling

swimming pool backwash water
(See Chapter 6, section 6.5.2)
(Developed for use with Australian Guidelines for Water Recycling: Managing Health and Environmental Risk (Phase 1) 2006)40
Framework element
Activity
Element 1:
Commitment to responsible use and
management of recycled water quality
Components:
Regulatory framework compliance

Water Quality Guidelines:
n Recycled water policy

n Regulatory and formal
requirements
n Engaging stakeholder
Element 2:
Assessment of the recycled water
system
Components:
n Identify intended uses and source
of recycled water
n Recycled water system analysis
Component:
n NSW Health. Public Swimming Pool and Spa Pool Guidelines45

n Australian Drinking Water Guidelines39
Health Risk Assessment Guidelines:
n Australian Guidelines for Water Recycling: Managing Health and Environmental Risk (Phase
1), 200640
Develop a recycled water policy
Source of water
n Backwash from swimming pool(s)
Treatment
n Reverse osmosis
n Ultrafine filtration (UFF) and/or granular activated carbon (GAC) may be recommended
Intended uses
n Recreational swimming
n Hydrotherapy (possibly immunocompromised clients)
n Learn to swim (infants not toilet trained)
Exposure routes
n Ingestion (100 mL) more for infants
n Dermal: disinfection by-product (DBP) trihalomethanes (THM)
n Inhalation: DBP THM
Assessment of water quality data
n Turbidity, pH
n Microbial quality
n Chemical quality (DBP-THMs)
n Water quality indicators: total dissolved solids (TDS) /conductivity
Treated backwash water to be tested prior to reuse

Microbial hazards
Chemical hazards
Hazards from failures
Control to prevent failures
n Hazard identification and risk
n
n
n
n
Element 3:
Preventive measures for recycled water
management
Components:
n Preventive measures and multiple
barriers
n Critical control points
Preventive measures
Control of bather hygiene, showers prior to pool entry
Treatment: best available technology (RO, UFF, GAC, ultraviolet [UV])
Validation of treatment system
Pipework purple with reuse caution and signage (may be needed)
Documentation of responsibilities, operational procedures
Backflow and cross connection prevention
Controls monitoring, shutdown upon failure
Communication
n Recycled water should be tested prior to reuse, otherwise alternative clean water source
should be used
n Failures should be communicated and reported
n Education program for operational staff
n Validation prior to commissioning to ensure that recycled water complies with the standards
for drinking water
n On-line monitoring of pool water for TDS, free chlorine and/or oxidation-reduction potential
(ORP)
n Determine critical control points
assessment
Element 4:
Operational procedures and process
control
n
n
n
n
n
n
n
Documented procedures
n Operational monitoring (auditing of critical limits for TDS/conductivity)

n A contingency plan should be developed to effectively deal with pool contamination events
n Corrective active
Framework element
Element 5:
Verification of recycled water quality
and environmental sustainability
Activity
Water quality monitoring (turbidity, TDS, DBP, microbial)
Receiving water monitoring swimming pool water
Documentation and reliability
Annual reporting of water quality monitoring results to Public Health Unit (PHU)
Short-term evaluation of results
Corrective action
n
n
n
n
n
Element 6:
Management of incidents and
emergencies
n Potential public health problems should be reported to PHU

n Non-compliance with approval conditions to be reported immediately to PHU
n Incident and emergency response protocol
Element 7:
Operator, contractor and end user
awareness and training
n Skilled and trained operator
Element 8:
Community involvement and
awareness
n Community consultation and education
Element 9:
Validation, research and development
n Validation of processes
n Design of equipment
n Investigative studies and research monitoring
Element 10:
Documentation and reporting
n Management of documentation and records

n Reporting
Element 11:
Evaluation and audit
n Long term evaluation of results

n Audit of recycled water quality management
Element 12:
Review and continual improvement
n Review by senior management

n Recycled water quality management improvement plan
* For irrigation reuse applications refer to the Department

of Environment and Climate Change Environmental
Guidelines Use of Effluent by Irrigation
APPENDIX D
Components to consider in water harvesting
(See Chapter 6, Section 6.6.) (Developed for use with Australian Guidelines for Water Recycling: Managing Health and
Environmental Risk (Phase 1), 2006) 40
Framework element
Activity
Element 1:
Commitment to responsible use and
management of rainwater to top-up
swimming pools
Components:
Rainwater use policy
Regulatory and formal requirements
Engaging stakeholders
Regulatory framework compliance

Water Quality Guidelines:
n NSW Health. Public Swimming Pool and Spa Pool Guidelines46
Heath risk assessment guidelines:
n Australian Guidelines for Water Recycling: Managing Health and Environmental Risk
(Phase 1), 200640
n EnHealth. Guidance on use of rainwater tanks. May 2004 42
n Develop a rainwater use policy
Element 2:
Assessment of the water system
Components:
Identify intended uses
Component:
Hazard identification and risk
assessment
Element 3:
Preventive measures for recycled water
management
Components:
Preventive measures and multiple
barriers
Critical control points
Element 4:
Operational procedures and process
control
Source of water
n Rainwater tank
Treatment
n First flush system
n UFF filtration or other pre-treatment
n Disinfection: ultraviolet (UV)
n Introduced into the pool plant and not directly into the pool
Intended uses
n Recreational swimming
Exposure routes
n Ingestion (100 mL) more for infants
n Dermal: disinfection by-product (DBP) trihalomethanes (THM)
n Inhalation: DBP - THM
Assessment of water quality data
n Microbial quality
n Chemical quality (heavy metals)
pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity
Water Quality Indicators
n Turbidity (NTU), TDS
n Oils and grease
n Salts (coastal locations)
n Heavy metals (lead, copper)
n Microbiological indicators
Rainwater to be validated prior to use
n Microbial hazards
n Chemical hazards
n Hazards from failures
Prevention roofing materials, flashing (not lead)

Treatment best available technology (first flush system)
Validation of treatment system
Documentation of responsibilities, operational procedures
Controls monitoring, shutdown
Multiple barriers/prevention/communication
n Rainwater water should be tested prior to use.
n Failures should be communicated and reported to the Public Health Unit (PHU)
n A contingency plan should be developed to effectively deal with rainwater contamination
events.
n Education program for operational staff
n Validation prior to commissioning to ensure that rainwater complies with the Australian
Drinking Water Guidelines in relation to e.g. turbidity, TDS, oils and grease, heavy metals,
and microbial indicators.
n On-line monitoring of pool water for TDS, turbidity, free chlorine and oxidation-reduction
potential (ORP) (may be required)
n Determine critical control points
n
n
n
n
n
Documented procedures
n Operational monitoring
n Develop a contingency plan for contamination events
n Corrective advice
Framework element
Activity
Element 5:
Verification of rainwater quality
n
n
n
n
n
n
Element 6:
Management of incidents and
emergencies
n Communication
n Incident and emergency response protocol
Element 7:
Equipment capability and maintenance
n Operator, contractor and end user awareness and training
Element 8:
Community involvement and
awareness
n Community consultation and education
Element 9:
Validation, research and development
n Validation of processes
n Design of equipment
n Investigative studies and research monitoring
Element 10: Documentation and

reporting
n Management of documentation and records

n Reporting
Element 11:
Evaluation and audit
n Long term evaluation of results

n Audit of rainwater - water quality management
Element 12:
Review and continual improvement
n Review by senior management

n Continual improvement
Water quality monitoring

Receiving water monitoring
Documentation and reliability
User satisfaction
Short-term evaluation of results
Corrective action
APPENDIX E
Descriptive risk assessment and

management of pools and spas
(See section 10.5)
Hazards
Illnesses that may be transmitted in swimming pools and spa pools from pathogenic micro-organisms
e.g. bacteria, viruses, and protozoa
Risk factors/issues
Risk management
Inadequate disinfection
High risk: non-automated
chlorination, high pH, high
turbidity, high organic load, high
combined chlorine, high cyanuric
acid
Education
Ongoing education of pool operators
Pool policy to recommend showering
Regulation
Disinfection safeguards (compliance checks/closure of pools when they present a serious public
health risk)
Frequently testing of pools and verification by analysis of Heterotrophic Plate Count, Thermotolerant
coliforms (or Escherichia coli) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Training and certification of pool operators (nationally standardised)
Infectious accident
High risk: toddlers pools,
hydrotherapy pools and where
loose faecal accidents occur
Education
To inform the community about the risks of faecal accidents and the ways to avoid contaminating a pool
People with a diarrhoeal illness or for a two week period following a diarrhoea illness should not use
a swimming pool or a spa pool
Bowel incontinent adults should avoid using a swimming pool or spa pool
Babies and children that are not toilet trained should wear waterproof pants
Recommend showering with soap prior to bathing
Parents should encourage children to use a toilet regularly
Regulation
Decontamination safeguards to reduce risks by ensuring a prompt response to a potentially
infectious incident.
Pool closures may be warranted where a pool presents a serious public health risk
Spa pools and other small pools should be emptied and cleaned following an infectious accident
Separate filtration system for toddlers pools and hydrotherapy pools.
Pool supervisors need to be trained and certified to ensure that they know how to deal with a faecal
accident
High bather load/bather

shedding
High risk: spa pools.
(High
bather load correlates with low
levels of free chlorine)
Education
To inform the community about the risks associated with high bather loads / bather shedding
Regulation
Restrict bather numbers, especially in spa pools
Ensure adequate filtration and backwashing to remove pollutants
Frequent draining and cleaning of spa pools (dependent on water restrictions)
Ensure adequate disinfection and that cyanuric acid is not too high
Pollution from bathers and the

environment
Bathers: lotions, dirt, bubble bath,
sweat, skin and hair
Environment: vegetation, insects,
birds, animal hair, dust
Education
Recommend showering before entering a pool
Inform the community about the risk of pollution from bathers and the environment
Regulation
Prevent the entry of polluted material into a pool
Ensure the provision of easy access toilets and showers (with soap)
Adequate filtration and disinfection
Dilution of pool water with fresh water
Microbiological failure
High risk: stagnant, turbid pools
Poor disinfection
Poor pool filtration
Education
Pool operators
Regulation
Ensure that new pools are designed appropriately
Ensure disinfection levels are adequate
Ensure efficient pool turnover and filtration
Recommend that pool operators are trained in pool maintenance
Closure of pool until problem is rectified
Ingestion of water
High risk: head emersion, wave
pools, water slides
Education
Educate parents and young children that pool water may contain pathogens and that it should not
be swallowed
Length of exposure
High risk: spas with P. aeruginosa;
heat stress
Education
Risk associated with length of exposure
Regulation
To ensure that the presence of P. aeruginosa is regularly monitored
To prevent high temperatures.
Hazards
Illnesses that may be transmitted in swimming pools and spa pools from pathogenic micro-organisms
e.g. bacteria, viruses, and protozoa
Risk factors/issues
Risk management
Open wound or infection

High risk: infectious material (e.g.
blood, pus)
Education
To inform the community about the risk to others and self from entering a pool with an open
wound.
Regulation
To prevent people with open wounds or infections from entering a public pool
Turbidity
High risk: poor pool filtration
Education
To ensure that pool operators properly maintain their pool(s)
Regulation
Compliance checks and appropriate upgrading of pool filtration equipment if required
Outbreaks of infectious diseases

Poorly maintained pools
Faecal accidents
Use of pools by infectious people
Education
Inform the community about the outbreak, symptoms of the illness, treatment, and if necessary
precautions to prevent further spread
Regulation
Close the pool and require appropriate safeguards to prevent further infection e.g. shock dosing /
flocculation and coagulation
Pool malfunction
Regulation
On pool commissioning or pool upgrade appropriate microbiological and dye testing should be
undertaken to confirm microbiological safe conditions and adequate pool circulation (and absence of
dead spots)
Poor compliance of disinfection

and microbiological criteria
Education
Publication/distribution of compliance studies/results
Regulation
Development of an Environmental Health Management System to better monitor and control
compliance problems
Glossary / Abbreviations
Term
Definition
Acidic
Solution with a pH between 0 and 7 (see pH)
Alkaline (basic)
Solution with a pH between 7 and 14 (see pH)
Alkalinity
Alkalinity is the acid neutralising capacity of water
Amperometric
Measurement of a chemical concentration using an electrical current (amperes)
APHA
American Public Health Association
APVMA
Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority
AS/NZS
Australian Standard / New Zealand Standard
Active chlorine
Free chlorine that is within the acceptable pH range of 7.2-7.6
Backwash
The process of cleaning a pool filter by reversing water flow
Bather load
The number of bathers per pool area
BCDMH
Bromo-chloro-dimethylhydantoin: the most common bromine-based swimming pool disinfectant
Biofilm
A complex of micro-organisms held in a slime layer of polysaccharides often covering the inner surface of
pipes
Breakpoint chlorination
The process of maintaining sufficient free available chlorine in the pool water to chemically convert
chloramines and ammonia-nitrogen compounds to inert nitrogen gas. Theoretically where total chlorine
equals free available chlorine and combined chlorine is zero
CFU
Colony forming units: a unit expressing the number of counted bacterial colonies grown on a plate
Chloramines
Compounds formed from reaction of chlorine with amine groups (ammonia)
Chlorine
Chlorine gas is Cl2 which when dissolved in water forms hypochlorous acid and the hypochlorite ion
Chlorination
The application of chlorine to water for disinfection
Clarity
Clearness or lack of cloudiness in water; indicated by the distance through the water at which an object can
be seen
Coagulation
The process of particles clumping together to form a mass with the aid of a flocculent material
Coliforms
A group of bacteria normally present in the colon of warm blooded animals
Colorimetric
A chemical determination method involving a colour change in the substrate detectable by the eye
Combined chlorine
Chlorine that has combined with ammonia, ammonium compounds or organic matter. Chloramines are a
major component of combined chlorine
Cryptosporidiosis
A gastrointestinal illness caused by the protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium parvum
Ct
A measure of the concentration (C) of disinfectant multiplied by its contact time (t) to produce a measured
inactivation rate of a particular micro-organism
Disinfectant
Also called sanitiser or biocide. A compound or substance used for disinfection
Disinfection
Also called sanitising. A process intended to inactivate, kill or remove the vegetative cells of pathogenic
(disease causing) micro-organisms, by direct exposure to chemical or physical agents. Disinfection does not
necessarily inactivate spores and other resistant structures such as oocysts
DBP
Disinfection by-product
DPD method
The N,N-diethyl-p-phyenylene diamine method of measuring free available chlorine and total chlorine
concentrations or equivalent bromine concentrations in swimming pool or spa pool water
Epidemiology
The study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations,
and the application of the study to the control of health problems
Faecal-oral route of
transmission
Spread of a communicable (infectious) disease through the ingestion of faecally-contaminated material
Filter
A device or material for removing suspended particles from swimming pool or spa pool water fitted to the
circulation system
Free bromine
Also known as free available bromine. The sum of hypobromus acid and hypobromite ion. When measured
using the DPD tablet No. 1 method monobromamine is included in the measurement
Free chlorine
Also known as free available chlorineor free residual chlorine. The sum of the concentrations of
hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite ion. Measured by using DPD tablet No. 1
Term
Definition
FC
Faecal coliforms are facultatively-anaerobic, rod-shaped, gram negative, non-sporulating, bacteria. They are
capable of growth in the presence of bile salts or similar surface agents, oxidase negative, and produce acid
and gas from lactose within 48 hours at 44 0.5C. The faecal coliform assay should only be used to assess
the presence of faecal matter in situations where faecal coliforms of non-faecal origin are not commonly
encountered
FS
Faecal streptococci present in human and animal intestines, but also in the stomach. Many species of
strepotcoccus are pathogenic. They cause diseases such as bacterial pneumonia, ear infection and bacterial
meningitis.
Hour
Halogen
Chemicals in the halogen group of the periodic table, including fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine
Hazard
The capacity of an agent to produce a particular type of adverse health or environmental effect; or a set of
circumstances that could lead to harm
Hazard identification
The identification, from animal and human studies, in vitro studies and structure-activity relationships, of
adverse health effects associated with exposure to an agent
Host
A person or other living animal or plant that harbours or nourishes another organism (parasite)
HPC
The heterotrophic plate count, formerly known as the standard plate count, is a procedure for estimating
the number of live heterotrophic (an organism that cannot synthesise its own food and is dependent on
complex organic substances for nutrition) bacteria in water
Health risk assessment
The process of estimating the potential impact of a chemical, biological, physical or social agent on a
specified human population system under a specific set of conditions and for a certain timeframe
Health risk management
The process of evaluating alternative actions, selecting options and implementing them in response to
health risk assessments. The decision making will incorporate scientific, technological, social, economic and
political information. The process requires value judgements, e.g. on the tolerability and reasonableness of
costs
Indicator
Any parameter used to produce a specific measure of the quality of water
Make-up-water
Water used to replace lost swimming pool or spa pool water
mg
milligram; one thousandth of a gram (10 -3g)
mg/L
milligram per litre (roughly equivalent to ppm: parts per million)
micron
Micrometre: one millionth of a meter (10 -6m) (m)
micro-organism
Any organism too small to be seen by the naked eye
mL
millilitre; one thousandth of a litre (10 -3L)
Oocyst
Encapsulated eggs that are the infective form of a parasite
Operator / occupier
That person who has control and management of the swimming pool and/or spa pool.
ORP
Oxidation-reduction potential; also known as Redox
Outbreak
Two or more cases of a communicable (infectious) disease related in the same place and time and with a
common exposure; cluster has a similar meaning but usually refers to smaller numbers
Pa
Pseudomonas aeruginosa: a Gram-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped bacterium. It is an opportunistic human

pathogen (does not normally cause disease at a particular site but may cause a disease as a result of a
compromised immune system)
Parasite
An organism that uses the body of another organism to support its growth and reproduction
Pathogen
An organism capable of causing disease symptoms in another organism
pH
A scale (ranging from 0 to 14) which measures the inverse logarithmic concentration of the H+ ion in water
that indicates the acid or alkali condition of the water. pH 7 is neutral
Photometric
A chemical determination method involving a colour change intensity in the substrate detectable a beam of
light set at a particular wavelength
Pool turnover
see turnover rate
Pool inlet
The point where treated water is returned to the pool
Pool outlet
The point where pool water flows from the pool to the circulation and treatment systems
PWTAG
Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group (England)
Recycle
Recycle means to use some material or matter again after suitable treatment
Reuse
Reuse is to use some material or matter again without treatment
Risk
The probability that, in a certain time frame, an adverse outcome will occur in a person etc that is exposed
to a particular dose or concentration of a hazardous agent, i.e. it depends on both the level of toxicity of the
agent and the level of exposure
Shock dose
The addition of pool chemicals to pool or spa water to achieve concentrations of at least 10 mg/L of chlorine
for the destruction of combined chlorine, micro-organisms, and other impurities
Skimmer gutter
A drainage system provided to collect surface water flow from the swimming pool or spa pool and return it
to the treatment plant or to waste
Term
Definition
Skimmer weir
A device provided to ensure that swimming pool or spa pool water is drawn from the surface for return to
the treatment plant or to waste
Spa pool
A pool or other water-retaining structure designed for human use (but not for swimming):
(a)that is capable of holding more than 680 L water; and
(b)that incorporates, or is connected to, equipment that is capable of heating water contained in it to
above 26oC and injecting air bubbles or water into it under pressure so as to cause general turbulence
in the water
Superchlorination
The addition of sufficient chlorine to a swimming pool or spa pool to raise the level of free available chlorine
to greater than ten times the combined chlorine concentration (usually about 8-10 mg/L) for the destruction
of chloramines
Total alkalinity
Sometimes called reserve alkalinity. A measure of the total amount of alkaline compounds in a water body,
usually expressed as mg/L calcium carbonate (CaCO3)
Total chlorine
The sum of combined chlorine and free available chlorine. Measured by adding DPD tablet No. 3 after a DPD
tablet No. 1 to a sample of pool water
Thermotolerant Coliforms
Bacteria that originate from the gut of warm blooded animals and are used as an indicator of faecal
contamination. Similar to faecal coliforms
TDS
Total dissolved solids. A measure of the total amount of dissolved elements and compounds in water
expressed as mg/L
TPC
Total plate count: see Heterotrophic Plate Count
Turbidity
The degree to which suspended particles in a pool water obscure visibility
Turnover rate
The period of time required to achieve complete exchange the equivalent of one complete volume of pool
water through the filter
WHO
World Health Organization
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Rigo MV, Martinez-Campillo F, Verdu M, Cilleruelo

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Choong KY, Roberts LJ. Molluscum contagiosum,
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3.4 Microbiological sampling.................................. 16

Quick start for pool operators........................ 5

3.4.4 Chemical criteria.............................................17

3.5 Micro-organism risk factors.............................. 18

Free available chlorine (free chlorine).............. 21

The effect of pH on chlorine

Total chlorine, free chlorine and combined

Bather pollution and the formation of

2.2.1 Viral pathogens................................................ 9

Stabilised chlorine cyanurate

products and cyanuric acid............................. 23

2.2.2 Bacterial pathogens........................................ 10

2.2.3 Protozoan pathogens......................................11

2.2.4 Fungal pathogens............................................12

2.3 Disease transmission theory...............................13

4.4.2 Bromine-based disinfectants.......................... 24

The formation of bromamines........................ 25

The effect of pH on bromine

The hydrolysis of bromine to form hypobromous

3.3.2 Escherichia coli (E. coli)................................... 16

Isocyanuric acid and bromine......................... 26

Breakpoint bromination and

4.4.3 Chlorine dioxide............................................. 26

4.5 Other disinfection systems................................ 26

3.3.3 Pseudomonas aeruginosa............................... 16

6.4 Water balancing............................................... 40

6.4.4 Calcium hardness........................................... 40

5.2.2 Chlorine systems chemical criteria.................. 28

6.4.6 Langelier saturation index...............................41

6.4.3 Total alkalinity................................................ 40

5.2.3 Bromine systems chemical criteria.................. 28

6.4.7 Corrosive water The Ryznar index................ 42

5.2.4 Alternate disinfection systems........................ 30

6.5 Backwashing of sand filters.............................. 42

5.2.5 Oxidation-reduction potential........................ 30

6.5.1 Reuse of backwash water (externally)................. 42

5.2.6 Pool operating periods................................... 30

6.5.2 Recycling of swimming pool

5.3 Other chemicals used in swimming pools......... 30

5.3.1 Chemicals for raising pH................................. 30

6.6 Minimising pool pollution................................. 43

Soda ash (sodium carbonate Na2CO3)............... 30

Bicarb (sodium bicarbonate NaHCO3

6.6.1 Restricting bather load and

6.6.2 Total dissolved solids...................................... 43

5.3.2 Chemicals for lowering pH............................. 31

6.6.3 Water sources................................................ 44

Dry acid (sodium bisulphate NaHSO4)............... 31

Hydrochloric acid (muriatic acid HCl).............. 31

Carbon dioxide (CO2)..................................... 31

Rainwater (roof water) harvesting.................. 44

Calcium chloride (CaCl2)................................. 31

6.7 Prevention and control of chloramines

Potassium monopersulphate (KHSO4)............... 31

5.3.3 Other chemicals............................................. 31

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).............................. 31

6.7.3 Shock dosing.................................................. 45

Sodium thiosulphate (Na2S2O3.5H2O)............ 32

Isocyanuric acid (C3N3O3H3)

5.3 Other chemicals used in swimming pools......... 30

6.7 Prevention and control of chloramines

7.4 Maintenance of swimming pools